XAP File Extension
Silverlight Application Package
- File Type xap
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Silverlight
- Category Compressed Files, Smartphone Files, Web Files, Executable Files
What is a XAP file?
Silverlight Application Package files, recognized by the XAP extension, fall into the Compressed Files, Smartphone Files, Web Files and Executable Files categories, amounting to 1260 files.
The Silverlight Application Package (XAP) was created by Microsoft, a company that developed file format and produced 242 programs for their use.
XAP files are compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux as well as mobile platforms such as Windows Phone. If you need to open a XAP file, you can use one of 7 programs, such as Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile.
Programs that support XAP files
How to open a XAP file?
If you’re having difficulty opening a XAP file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.
Microsoft Silverlight, Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Windows 10 Mobile are recognized as the most popular software solutions for dealing with XAP files. To install the most up-to-date edition of Microsoft Silverlight, visit the official Microsoft website. You can download the build that works across all operating systems.
After successful installation, your operating system should seamlessly handle XAP files via Microsoft Silverlight.
Set Microsoft Silverlight as your default XAP viewer
Setting a default program by file type in Windows
- Right-click your XAP file, then navigate to the "Open With" option and click "Choose Another Application" to continue;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select Microsoft Silverlight as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening XAP files.
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired XAP file to open a menu of available actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Go to the lower section of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. By default, it is set to "Recommended Programs";
- Select "All Programs" from this menu and proceed to search for Microsoft Silverlight. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default option.
How to edit a XAP file?
Editing XAP files requires installing professional software that lets you open and edit compressed files. Online editors have more limitations compared to dedicated Silverlight Application Package programs.
List of Top XAP editors 2026
With the mentioned criteria in mind, we have assembled a selection of XAP editors.
| XAP Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
Solving Common XAP File Challenges
XAP files may present some challenges, but most can be easily addressed with minor software tweaks. See the troubleshooting tips below for guidance.
Are there any techniques or tools available to repair a damaged XAP file?
Open the damaged XAP file with a recovery program, and then select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair process. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged compressed files.
What are the telltale signs of a corrupt XAP file?
Corrupted XAP compressed files may show the following signs:
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the XAP file;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft Silverlight or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- While working with the file, error messages appear;
- Editing the archive in Microsoft Visual Studio is accompanied by slow performance or delays;
What factors contribute to Microsoft Silverlight crash?
Microsoft Silverlight crashes can occur due to outdated software versions. To mitigate this, install the latest updates for Microsoft products.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.