AZW File Extension

What is AZW file?

AZW is an ebook format associated with Amazon Kindle. It is based on Mobipocket PRC standard. AZW ebooks can be purchased and downloaded directly to the device or transferred from the external storage device.

Differences with its predecessor

Most AZW files employ a DRM copyright protection system. Protected AZW files may only be opened on dedicated devices running compatible software. Non-protected AZW files are in fact ordinary PRC files and can be treated as such.

Programs which support AZW file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 7 operating systems that support AZW files. Files with AZW suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 01/01/2023

How to open file with AZW extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening AZW files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Amazon Kindle EBook Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Amazon Kindle

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports AZW files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select Amazon Kindle or one of the recommended programs (for example, Calibre, Mobipocket Reader Desktop, Amazon Kindle Phone) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support AZW files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Amazon Kindle installed is by going to developer’s website (Amazon.com, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Update Amazon Kindle to the latest version

If the problems with opening AZW files still occur even after installing Amazon Kindle, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Amazon Kindle is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Amazon Kindle installed, it may not support AZW format. The most recent version of Amazon Kindle is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open AZW files to Amazon Kindle

If you have the latest version of Amazon Kindle installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage AZW on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the AZW file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Amazon Kindle is installed, check the Always use this app to open AZW files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with AZW extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with AZW extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the AZW is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AZW file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The AZW may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the AZW file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the AZW file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the AZW file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with AZW extension is complete and error-free

If the AZW file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with AZW extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Amazon Kindle EBook Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Amazon Kindle

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with AZW extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Amazon Kindle EBook Format file. It may be the case that the AZW files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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