VBW File Extension
Visual Basic Workspace Format
- File Type vbw
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Microsoft Visual Basic
- Category Developer Files
What is a VBW file?
Visual Basic Workspace Format, identified by the VBW extension, is a Developer Files type and includes 1166 files.
With the creation of the Visual Basic Workspace Format (VBW), Microsoft introduced file format along with 242 programs built for their use.
VBW files are supported by Mac OS, Windows and Linux. You can open a VBW file using one of 2 programs, for example Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Visual Basic.
Programs that support VBW files
How to open a VBW file?
The most common reason why a VBW 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 VBW files are Microsoft Visual Studio and Microsoft Visual Basic. To get the latest version of Microsoft Visual Basic, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign Microsoft Visual Basic as the default app for VBW files.
Make Microsoft Visual Basic the default VBW viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your VBW 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 Visual Basic as the application to associate with your VBW 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 VBW 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 Visual Basic. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
How to edit a VBW file?
To edit VBW files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify developer files. Online VBW editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Visual Basic Workspace Format.
List of Top VBW editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended VBW editors.
| VBW Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Visual Basic | Microsoft | Windows | 4.3 out of 5 (39 reviews) |
| Microsoft Visual Studio | Microsoft | Windows, Mac OS, Linux | 4.2 out of 5 (35 reviews) |
Finding answers to VBW file problems
If you encounter issues with VBW files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my VBW file is damaged?
Corrupted VBW developer files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Microsoft Visual Studio;
- Opening or processing the file in Microsoft Visual Basic 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 VBW file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does Microsoft Visual Basic quit or crash unexpectedly?
Microsoft Visual Basic 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 VBW file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged VBW file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged developer files.