How to Recover .WAV Files Lost During an Unexpected Shutdown

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .WAV file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Recover .WAV Files Lost During an Unexpected Shutdown
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .WAV file?

A WAV file is an audio file that uses a standard digital audio file format utilized for storing waveform data. It allows audio recordings to be saved with different sampling rates and bitrates and is often saved in a 44.1 KHz, 16-bit, stereo format, which is the standard format used for CD audio.

What Are Common Causes of ".WAV" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".WAV" files lost or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".WAV" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. File system errors: File system errors, such as corruption or damage, can lead to the loss or failure of ".WAV" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt ".WAV" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the storage device, such as hard drive failure or bad sectors, can cause ".WAV" files to become lost or corrupted.
  5. Software or system crashes: If a software or system crash occurs while working with ".WAV" files, it can result in data loss or file corruption.
  6. Power outages: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can cause ".WAV" files to become lost or damaged.
  7. Formatting errors: Accidental formatting of a storage device or using an incompatible file system can lead to the loss of ".WAV" files.
  8. Interruptions during file transfer: If there is an interruption or error during the transfer of ".WAV" files from one device to another, it can result in data loss.
  9. Human errors: Human errors, such as mistakenly overwriting or modifying ".WAV" files, can cause them to become lost or unusable.
  10. Software or system updates: Sometimes, software or system updates can lead to compatibility issues, resulting in the loss or failure of ".WAV" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".WAV" files to prevent data loss and consider using data recovery tools or services if files are lost or corrupted.

How to recover lost ".WAV" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".WAV" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".WAV" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".WAV" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".WAV" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".WAV" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".WAV" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo wAVE Audio File image file file?

Programs that open ".WAV" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Windows Music Microsoft Windows Music
Microsoft Windows Media Player Microsoft Windows Media Player
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Apple QuickTime Player Apple QuickTime Player
Roxio Creator NXT Pro 7 Roxio Creator NXT Pro 7
Nullsoft Winamp Nullsoft Winamp
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
RealNetworks RealPlayer Cloud RealNetworks RealPlayer Cloud
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Adobe Audition CC 2019 Adobe Audition CC 2019
Clementine Clementine
Other <a href=music player"> Other music player
Mac
Apple iTunes Apple iTunes
Apple QuickTime Player Apple QuickTime Player
Roxio Toast 18 Roxio Toast 18
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
RealNetworks RealPlayer Cloud RealNetworks RealPlayer Cloud
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Adobe Audition CC 2019 Adobe Audition CC 2019
Clementine Clementine
Other <a href=music player"> Other music player
Linux
XMMS XMMS
VideoLAN VLC media player VideoLAN VLC media player
Clementine Clementine
Other <a href=music player"> Other music player
Web
Google Drive Google Drive
iOS
olimsoft OPlayer olimsoft OPlayer
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android
antvplayer Media Converter antvplayer Media Converter

Additional Information

  • File type: WAVE Audio File

  • File extension: .WAV

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Audio Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 52 49 46 46

  • ASCII: RIFF

  • File types that use the extension .WAV:

    • WAVE Audio File

    • DTS-WAV File

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We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:34 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .WAV files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .WAV file format and what makes it different from other audio file formats?

    A .WAV (Waveform Audio File Format) is an uncompressed audio file format developed by Microsoft and IBM. It stores audio data in a raw and uncompressed format, resulting in high-quality sound reproduction. Here are a few characteristics that make .WAV files different from other audio file formats:

    1. Lossless Compression: Unlike formats like MP3 or AAC that use lossy compression to reduce file size, .WAV files retain all the original audio data without any loss in quality. This makes .WAV files larger in size but ensures a perfect replication of the original audio.
    2. Uncompressed Format: .WAV files store audio in a raw and uncompressed format, which means they capture and preserve the complete audio waveform. This results in accurate and precise sound reproduction, making .WAV files ideal for professional audio applications.
    3. High-Quality Audio: Due to their uncompressed nature, .WAV files offer high-fidelity audio and are capable of capturing a wide dynamic range and frequency response. They are often used in music production, sound editing, and other professional audio applications that require pristine audio quality.
    4. Wide Compatibility: .WAV files are widely supported by various audio software and hardware devices, making them compatible with most platforms and systems. They can be played on almost any media player or audio editing software without the need for additional codecs.
    5. Limited Metadata: Unlike some other audio formats like MP3 or FLAC, .WAV files have limited support for embedded metadata such as artist name, album, or track information. They primarily focus on storing the audio data itself rather than extensive metadata.

    Overall, .WAV files are known for their lossless and uncompressed nature, which ensures high-quality audio reproduction but results in larger file sizes compared to compressed audio formats.

  • How do I open a .WAV file on different operating systems and devices?

    Opening a .WAV file on different operating systems and devices can be done using various methods. Here are some common ways to open .WAV files:

    Windows:

    • Windows Media Player: Simply double-click the .WAV file, and it should open in Windows Media Player, the default media player on Windows.
    • VLC Media Player: If you prefer using VLC, you can download and install it from the official website (https://www.videolan.org/vlc/) and then open the .WAV file using VLC.
    • Groove Music: On Windows 10, Groove Music is the default music player, and it can also open .WAV files.

    macOS:

    • QuickTime Player: By default, .WAV files should open in QuickTime Player on macOS. Just double-click the file, and it should play.
    • iTunes: You can also use iTunes to open and play .WAV files on macOS. Simply drag and drop the .WAV file into the iTunes library, and it will be added to your music collection.

    Linux:

    • VLC Media Player: VLC is a popular cross-platform media player that can open .WAV files on Linux as well. Install VLC using your distribution's package manager, and then open the .WAV file using VLC.
    • Audacity: Audacity is a free and open-source audio editing software available for Linux. You can import .WAV files into Audacity for playback or editing.

    iOS (iPhone/iPad):

    • Files App: If you have the .WAV file stored in the Files app or any other file management app on iOS, you can tap on it to open and play it.
    • Music Apps: There are various music player apps available on the App Store that can handle .WAV files, such as VLC, Documents by Readdle, or nPlayer.

    Android:

    • Google Play Music: The default music player on most Android devices, Google Play Music, should be able to open and play .WAV files.
    • VLC for Android: VLC is also available for Android devices and can handle .WAV files. Install it from the Google Play Store and use it to open the .WAV file.

    Additionally, there are numerous third-party media players available for different operating systems and devices that can open .WAV files.

  • Are there any specific software or applications recommended for opening and playing .WAV files, and are there any limitations or compatibility issues to be aware of?

    There are several software and applications that can open and play .WAV files. Some popular options include:

    1. Windows Media Player (Windows)
    2. iTunes (Windows and macOS)
    3. VLC Media Player (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
    4. QuickTime Player (macOS)
    5. Adobe Audition (Windows and macOS)
    6. Audacity (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
    7. Winamp (Windows)

    These applications are generally compatible with .WAV files and should be able to open and play them without any issues. However, it is important to note that compatibility can vary depending on the specific version of the software and the operating system you are using. It is always recommended to keep your software up to date to ensure maximum compatibility.

    Additionally, some older or less common audio players may not support certain features or formats within the .WAV file, such as high sample rates or bit depths. In such cases, you may need to convert the .WAV file to a different format or use a specialized audio editing software to work with those specific features.
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