RealAudio preferences file
File type: Settings, options, themes or skins file
A .pnst file is a preferences file used by RealAudio multimedia software. It stores software settings rather than audio or video data.
The file is associated with RealPlayer on Microsoft Windows.
File type category:
Settings, options, themes or skins file
Date updated: September 28, 2026
RealAudio is multimedia technology developed by RealNetworks and used in applications such as RealPlayer. A PNST file stores preference information used by the RealAudio software.
This file is a support file for RealPlayer, not a media file that can be played independently. It is a proprietary settings format intended to be read by the Windows version of RealPlayer.
A PNST file is normally read automatically by RealPlayer on Microsoft Windows when it is in the location used for RealPlayer preferences. It is not intended to be opened as an audio or video file.
To use the settings, open RealPlayer rather than opening the PNST file directly. Editing or moving the file may prevent RealPlayer from reading those preferences.
A PNST file cannot be meaningfully converted to another media format because it contains RealAudio preferences, not audio or video data.
If the settings need to be transferred, configure them again in RealPlayer on the other Windows installation.
Software apps that manage or store settings in pnst files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that handle other tasks involving pnst files:
Microsoft Windows
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