What is a WPS file?
A file with .wps extension is a Microsoft Works document that was used prior to 2006 as a word document. It was similar to the newly introduced DOC file format by then, but was not as much feature rick as the new file format. For example, it didn’t support macro functionality and advanced formatting options. WPS files can still be opened with modern Word processors, but for Windows 10, you need to install a converter to load these files. Microsoft Works was replaced by Microsoft Word document processor in 2010.
File Format Specifications
The file format specifications of WPS document is not available publicly as Microsoft didn’t open the specifications to end users. WPS are binary files and can be opened with file format conversion filters created by Microsoft for Word processor. LibreOffice, NeoOffice, and OxygenOffice have included a general C++ library, libwps, that can extract text from many different versions of Microsoft Works.
Key Characteristics of the WPS File Format
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| File Extension | .wps |
| Legacy Microsoft Format | The WPS extension is the proprietary document format for the discontinued Microsoft Works suite. |
| Home and Student Focus | It was primarily targeted at non-professional users in home, student, and small office environments, emphasizing ease-of-use over advanced features. |
| Template-Centric Design | Creation was heavily facilitated through a wide array of built-in templates for everyday documents. |
| Limited Advanced Features | Compared to DOC or DOCX files, WPS files lack support for complex macros, advanced typography, track changes, and modern security features. |
| Binary Format | Stored in a binary structure, making direct editing without specific software impossible and complicating data recovery if corrupted. |
Other WPS files
Here are other file types that use the .wps file extension.
FAQ
Q1: How do I open a .wps file today?
A: You can open it using modern Microsoft Word (2010 and later), LibreOffice, or dedicated file conversion tools online.
Q2: Is Microsoft Works still available?
A: No, Microsoft discontinued the Works suite. The last version was Works 9, and official support ended years ago.
Q3: Can I convert a WPS file to a Word DOCX file?
A: Yes, the easiest method is to open the WPS file in Microsoft Word and use “Save As” to choose the DOCX format.
Q4: Why would I encounter a WPS file now?
A: You most likely encounter them when opening old documents from archives, older computers, or storage media from the late 1990s or 2000s.
Q5: Are WPS files a security risk?
A: Like any older binary file format, they could theoretically be used to conceal malware, so only open WPS files from trusted sources.
