DFU File Extension

What is DFU file?

DFU files store firmware update data for Apple devices. DFU files are used by iPod and iPad series of devices. DFU files are typically included with IPSW update packages. Updating device firmware always carries (even if minimal) risk of damaging the device and should be performed with utmost care.

Firmware

Firmware is a software program embedded in the device’s persistent memory in the form of a full-fledged operating system or a intermediate layer. Firmware can be update (for example, with DFU files). Damaged firmware can cause permanent damage to the device. Most modern devices employ some security measures that prevent device damage should the firmware update fail by reverting the changes made to the firmware.

Programs which support DFU file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support DFU files. Files with DFU 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: 12/09/2022

How to open file with DFU extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening DFU files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with DFU extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install Apple iOS

Problems with opening and working with DFU files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with DFU files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Apple iOS or one of the recommended programs (for example, PwnageTool) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Apple iOS installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Apple, Inc. website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Apple iOS and update if needed

If the problems with opening DFU files still occur even after installing Apple iOS, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Apple iOS is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. The reason that Apple iOS cannot handle files with DFU may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Apple iOS.

Step 3. Assign Apple iOS to DFU files

If you have the latest version of Apple iOS installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage DFU on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the DFU with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Apple iOS is installed, check the Always use this app to open DFU files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with DFU extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Apple iOS and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with DFU extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the DFU is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the DFU file in question. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The DFU may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the DFU file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the DFU file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the DFU file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with DFU extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the IOS DFU Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Apple iOS

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with IOS DFU Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the DFU files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the DFU file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on DFU file.