DMP File Extension

DMP file icon

Windows Memory Dump

What is a DMP file?

The DMP file extension is linked to Windows Memory Dump and belongs to the categories of Temporary Files and Data Files, which include 6437 files.

The Windows Memory Dump (DMP) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.

DMP file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS and Linux. To view a DMP file, you can choose from 3 programs such as BlueScreenView, Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Windows.

MIME types

  • application/x-dmp

File Signature

HEX code: 50 41 47 45 44 55 4D 50. ASCII code: PAGEDUMP.

How to open a DMP file?

If you cannot open a DMP file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.

Thanks to their popularity, BlueScreenView, Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Windows are often the go-to programs for managing DMP files. If you need the newest version of BlueScreenView, just access the Nirsoft website. From there you can download the installer compatible with all systems.

Once BlueScreenView is installed, the OS should configure it as the default tool for opening DMP files.

Make BlueScreenView the default DMP viewer

Change the default app to open files on Mac

  1. Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired DMP file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. Towards the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, which is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
  4. In this menu, select "All Programs" and search for BlueScreenView. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default option.

Change a default app in Windows

  1. Start by right-clicking on your DMP file, then select the "Open with" option and choose "Choose another app" from the menu that appears;
  2. Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose BlueScreenView as the application to associate with your DMP file;
  3. Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".

Finding answers to DMP file problems

If DMP files are giving you trouble, small modifications to your software can help. Check out the troubleshooting tips below to fix these issues.

What can lead to sudden BlueScreenView crashes?

Insufficient updates for Nirsoft products can cause BlueScreenView to crash. Be sure to regularly install the latest software updates.

A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.

What is the recommended approach to repair a damaged DMP file?

Use a recovery program to open the damaged DMP file, and in the menu, click "Repair" to start the repair operation. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged temporary files.

What are the ways to check if my DMP file is damaged?

Characteristics of corrupted DMP temporary files can include:

  • The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
  • Editing the archive in Microsoft Visual Studio is hampered by poor overall performance;
  • The file causes BlueScreenView or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
  • An unexplained increase in the size of the DMP file;
  • Actions performed on the file result in the appearance of error notifications;

How to edit a DMP file?

To modify DMP files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit temporary files. Online DMP editors are more restricted compared to software designed for Windows Memory Dump.

Best DMP editors 2026

According to these factors, we have compiled a list of available DMP editors.

DMP Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoftWindows4.8 out of 5 (38 reviews)
Microsoft Visual StudioMicrosoftWindows, Mac OS, Linux4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews)