File Extension Database

Open WINMD File

If you've recently encountered a file with the extension WINMD, you might be wondering what it is and how to open it. This type of file, known as a Windows Metadata file, is typically associated with Windows Runtime (WinRT) applications that are meant to operate across different environments and systems.

Windows Runtime and WINMD Files

The Windows Runtime provides the backbone for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP), allowing developers to write applications that are platform independent within the Windows ecosystem. For detailed insights about the WinRT, you can look at the Microsoft Developers Guide.

WINMD files play a crucial role in this process as they contain metadata (in definitions and references) related to code and API elements within these apps, aiding in their cross-platform functionality. More about WINMD files can be found in this StackOverflow thread.

Opening a WINMD File

Because WINMD files aren't meant to be opened by end-users, but rather to support software development and execution, common applications like text editors might not open them correctly. For understanding the content of a WINMD file, what is needed is a decompiler like JetBrains dotPeek or Microsoft's ILSpy, which can open these files and present the contents in a human readable form. Learn about dotPeek here and ILSpy here.

Manipulating WINMD Files

For developers, manipulating WINMD files can be done within Microsoft Visual Studio, an integrated development environment (IDE) that supports creating, debugging, and publishing of Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps. Documentation on how to use Microsoft Visual Studio for editing can be found here.

WINMD File Important Information

While WINMD files are crucial to the successful running of cross-platform Windows applications, they broadly should only concern software developers working on such software. The average user doesn�t need to manipulate these files. Attempting to modify these metadata files could lead to the malfunctioning of the related application.

In conclusion, WINMD files, due their intrinsic link with the Windows Runtime, are a cog in the machine that allows apps to work uniformly across the diverse Windows environment. With the right tools, developers can navigate and manipulate these files to aid in their app development. However, they are not typically something that an end user will need to access.

How Can I Open WINMD File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open WINMD file is to find a WINMD file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WINMD 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 WINMD 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 WINMD file opener then try to search online for "WINMD viewer", "application to open WINMD file" or "open WINMD file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open WINMD file

How Can I Open WINMD File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a WINMD file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a WINMD 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 WINMD file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as WINMD file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open WINMD file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open WINMD file then try to search for "WINMD viewer", "application to open WINMD file" or "read WINMD file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read WINMD file

How Can I Open WINMD File on Android

If you downloaded a WINMD 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 WINMD 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 "WINMD".
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 "WINMD viewer", "WINMD 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 WINMD File on iPhone or iPad

To open WINMD 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 WINMD 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 "WINMD". This way you can find apps which can open WINMD 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 "WINMD viewer" or "WINMD file" online in your favorite search engine.

Populating this website with information and maintaining it is an ongoing process. We always welcome feedback and questions that can be submitted by visiting Contact Us page. However since there are many users visiting this website and because our team is quite small we may not be able to follow up personally on every request. Thank you for your understanding.