File Extension Database

Open ASF File

An ASF format and extension file is a multimedia file stored in the Advanced Systems Format, hence the acronym.

The ASF format is a proprietary video and audio container format, which stores audio and video data, along with optional metadata, such as title, author, and bibliographic copyright data.

ASF files have been developed by Microsoft primarily for streaming media online.

The ASF container format only specifies the structure of how online video or audio is transmitted, which depends on several factors, such as network bandwidth and server performance.

It is important to know that the ASF format does not specify the encoder used to encode the audio or video stored in the container, which it assumes was designed for the ASF.

The ASF format has gradually been replaced by WMA and WMV files.

That is, if the ASF container format stores audio, it is usually saved as a Windows Media Audio file with a WMA extension, on the other hand, if it stores video, it is usually saved as a Windows Media Video WMV file.

The audio and video data stored in these files can be compressed using a variety of video codecs.

Software to open an ASF file

Typical ASF application file locations:

%ProgramFiles%\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe /prefetch:7 /Open "%L"
C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Photo Gallery\WLXPhotoGallery.exe /LaunchPhotoViewer /v "%1"
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Media Player\wmplayer.exe" /prefetch:7 /Play "%L"

Typical ASF mime types:

video/x-ms-asf

Frequently used application names to open ASF files:

Windows Media Player
Windows Live

Frequently associated Windows objects:

ASFFile
WindowsLive.PhotoGallery.video.14.0
WMP11.AssocFile.ASF

How Can I Open ASF File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ASF file is to find a ASF file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ASF file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ASF file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ASF file opener then try to search online for "ASF viewer", "application to open ASF file" or "open ASF file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ASF file

How Can I Open ASF File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ASF file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ASF file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ASF file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ASF file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ASF file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ASF file then try to search for "ASF viewer", "application to open ASF file" or "read ASF file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ASF file

How Can I Open ASF File on Android

If you downloaded a ASF file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ASF file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ASF".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ASF viewer", "ASF file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ASF File on iPhone or iPad

To open ASF File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ASF file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ASF". This way you can find apps which can open ASF files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ASF viewer" or "ASF file" online in your favorite search engine.

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