MDW File Extension
Access Workgroup Format
- File Type mdw
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Access
- Category Data Files, Blocked Email Attachment Files
What is a MDW file?
Access Workgroup Format works with the MDW file extension and is classified under Data Files and Blocked Email Attachment Files, with a total of 6272 files.
MDW files are supported by Windows. You can create a MDW file using one of 2 programs, for example Microsoft Access and Microsoft Office.
How to open a MDW file?
The most common reason why a MDW file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with MDW files are Microsoft Access and Microsoft Office. To get the latest version of Microsoft Access, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Microsoft Access as the default app for MDW files.
Make Microsoft Access the default MDW viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your MDW file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose Microsoft Access as the application to associate with your MDW file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired MDW file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to Microsoft Access. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a MDW file?
To edit MDW files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify data files. Online MDW editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Access Workgroup Format.
List of Top MDW editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended MDW editors.
| MDW Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Access | Microsoft | Windows | 4.4 out of 5 (34 reviews) |
Finding answers to MDW file problems
If you encounter issues with MDW files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my MDW file is damaged?
Corrupted MDW data files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Microsoft Access;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft Access or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MDW file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Microsoft Access quit or crash unexpectedly?
Microsoft Access crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for Microsoft products.
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 methods can be used to repair a damaged MDW file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged MDW file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged data files.