DWS File Extension

What is DWS file?

DWS filename suffix is mostly used for AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format files. AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format format was developed by Autodesk. Files with DWS extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. Files with DWS extension are categorized as CAD Files files. The CAD Files subset comprises 158 various file formats. AutoCAD is by far the most used program for working with DWS files. AutoCAD software was developed by Autodesk, Inc., and on its official website you may find more information about DWS files or the AutoCAD software program.

Programs which support DWS file extension

The following listing features DWS-compatible programs. Files with DWS suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with DWS extension?

Being unable to open files with DWS extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install AutoCAD

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening DWS files is that no program that can handle DWS files is installed on user’s system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install AutoCAD. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit AutoCAD website and download the installer.

Step 2. Check the version of AutoCAD and update if needed

If the problems with opening DWS files still occur even after installing AutoCAD, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of AutoCAD is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of AutoCAD installed, it may not support DWS format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using AutoCAD.

Step 3. Assign AutoCAD to DWS files

After installing AutoCAD (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open DWS files. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the DWS 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
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where AutoCAD is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open DWS files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with DWS extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with DWS extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the DWS is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the DWS file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

If the DWS is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the DWS file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the DWS file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the DWS file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the DWS file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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 AutoCAD Drawing Standards Format file.

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

If the systems has insufficient resources to open DWS files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

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

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

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