File Extension Database

Open PSW File

The PSW extension file is a backup file for passwords, known as a vault, created with the Windows Forgotten Password Wizard.

The PSW file is saved to a USB drive, floppy disk, or other media and can be used to reset a Windows user's password.

The PSW file often uses the filename userkey.psw.

A particular feature of PSW files is that they can only be used when the Windows login screen appears.

By simply pressing Enter or clicking the right arrow button next to the "Type your password" box, then selecting "use your password reset disk", you do the searching for the PSW file, then inserting the disk password reset button to reset the user's password.

Software to create a PSW file

PSW files can only be created with the software below, and are not designed to be opened manually.

Microsoft Password Reset Wizard (Information)

How Can I Open PSW File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open PSW file is to find a PSW file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PSW file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open PSW file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as PSW file opener then try to search online for "PSW viewer", "application to open PSW file" or "open PSW file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open PSW file

How Can I Open PSW File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a PSW file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a PSW file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with PSW file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as PSW file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open PSW file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open PSW file then try to search for "PSW viewer", "application to open PSW file" or "read PSW file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read PSW file

How Can I Open PSW File on Android

If you downloaded a PSW file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded PSW file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "PSW".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "PSW viewer", "PSW file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open PSW File on iPhone or iPad

To open PSW File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the PSW file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "PSW". This way you can find apps which can open PSW files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "PSW viewer" or "PSW file" online in your favorite search engine.

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