File Format & Compatibility

Fix Azure Information Protection Viewer Cannot Open PTXT or PNG Files

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where the Azure Information Protection (AIP) Viewer fails to open or support labeling for PTXT and PNG files.

Product: Azure Information Protection Viewer
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to open, view, or apply classification labels to specific file formats (PTXT and PNG) using Azure Information Protection.
Observed behavior: The system reports that labeling is unsupported for PTXT and PNG files and the viewer cannot open them.

Before you start

Verify if the file extensions (PTXT and PNG) are capitalized correctly, as some system configurations may treat case differences as unsupported formats, and ensure your Azure Information Protection client is fully updated.

Solution 1Recommended

Consult the Azure Community on Microsoft Q&A

Since this involves specific file format labeling constraints within Azure Information Protection, escalating the issue to Azure specialists is the most effective approach.

Microsoft's Azure Information Protection relies on specific client versions and tenant policies to determine file support. Support for wrapping or natively labeling image files and protected text files is best troubleshooted by Azure specialists who can investigate backend configurations.

Visit Microsoft Q&A

Open your web browser and navigate to the official Microsoft Q&A community forum.

Search for the Azure Tag

Navigate to the Azure section or search specifically for the 'Azure Information Protection' tag to ensure your question reaches the right experts.

Post Your Detailed Query

Create a new post detailing your issue. Be sure to mention the exact error message, the specific file types (PTXT, PNG), and whether you have tested different file-extension capitalizations.

Solution 2

Verify File Extension Capitalization and AIP Policies

Sometimes, minor configuration issues or extension capitalization can cause labeling to appear unsupported.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PTXT file in Azure Information Protection?

A PTXT file is a protected text file created by Microsoft Azure Information Protection (AIP) or Rights Management Services (RMS). It encapsulates a standard text file with encryption and usage rights, meaning it can only be opened by authorized users with a compatible viewer.

Why does Azure Information Protection say labeling is unsupported for PNG?

Labeling support depends on the classification policies set by your organization and the specific version of the AIP client. Some clients may not natively support applying metadata labels directly to image formats like PNG without wrapping them in a generic protected format (like PFILE).

Can changing the file extension capitalization fix the unsupported error?

In some legacy or specific client configurations, file-extension capitalization (e.g., .PNG vs .png) can cause recognition issues. It is recommended to test with lowercase extensions and consult Azure support if the issue persists.

Document & File Issues