AZW3 File Extension

What is AZW3 file?

AZW3 file contains digital publication saved in proprietary format Amazon Kindle Format 8. AZW3 files support array of formatting options for better device compatibility based on HTML5 and CSS3. AZW3 also supports DRM features. The format is backward-compatible with MOBI format containers. AZW3 files can be viewed on mobile devices and e-readers, as well as using PC or Mac applications. Compared to its predecessor, the KF8 format supports:

• Wider range of styles,
• More font types,
• More page layout designs.

AZW3 was developed in 2011 as a successor to older AZW format, which was used in Kindle devices since their debut in 2007. Kindle Fire was the first device to use AZW3 format, and all fourth generation Kindle devices and PC/Mac applications support it. The format soon started to replace MOBI format, although KF8 files sometimes also us e this extension, depending on the device to which given files is to be downloaded. Since 2015 AZW3 files has been gradually replaced by Kindle Format 10 standard and KFX files that use it.

Programs which support AZW3 file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with AZW3 files, divided into 7 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with AZW3 extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 11/25/2019

How to open file with AZW3 extension?

Being unable to open files with AZW3 extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with AZW3 extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Amazon Kindle software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening AZW3 files is that no program that can handle AZW3 files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Amazon Kindle or different compatible program, such as Kindle Previewer, Amazon Kindle Phone, Hamster Free eBook Converter. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support AZW3 files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download Amazon Kindle installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Amazon.com, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Amazon Kindle

If you already have Amazon Kindle installed on your systems and AZW3 files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why AZW3 files are not compatible with Amazon Kindle. The latest version of Amazon Kindle should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open AZW3 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 AZW3 on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Clicking the AZW3 with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Amazon Kindle is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open AZW3 files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected AZW3 file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with AZW3 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the AZW3 file is complete and free of errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the AZW3 file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the AZW3 in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the AZW3 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the AZW3 file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with AZW3 extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the AZW3 file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with AZW3 extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

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 KF8 EBook Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Amazon Kindle

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support AZW3 files. Close all running programs and try opening the AZW3 file.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Amazon KF8 EBook Format files. It may be the case that the AZW3 files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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