PWL File Extension

What is PWL file?

PWL is a file extension commonly associated with Windows Password List files. Windows Password List format was developed by Microsoft. Files with PWL extension may be used by programs distributed for Windows platform. PWL file belongs to the System Files category just like 323 other filename extensions listed in our database. The most popular program for handling PWL files is Proactive System Password Recovery, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support PWL file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support PWL files. Files with PWL 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.

How to open file with PWL extension?

Being unable to open files with PWL extension can be have various origins. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Windows Password List 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. Get the Proactive System Password Recovery

Problems with opening and working with PWL files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with PWL files being present on your machine. This one is an easy one. Select Proactive System Password Recovery or one of the recommended programs (for example, Microsoft Windows) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Proactive System Password Recovery installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Proactive System Password Recovery

If you already have Proactive System Password Recovery installed on your systems and PWL 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. If you have an older version of Proactive System Password Recovery installed, it may not support PWL 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 Proactive System Password Recovery.

Step 3. Associate Windows Password List files with Proactive System Password Recovery

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PWL files with latest version of Proactive System Password Recovery you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Change the default application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the PWL file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Proactive System Password Recovery is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open PWL files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PWL 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 PWL extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the PWL is not faulty

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper PWL file. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the PWL file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PWL file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the PWL file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

If the PWL 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. When downloading the file with PWL extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

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. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Windows Password List file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Proactive System Password Recovery

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PWL extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Windows Password List files. It may be the case that the PWL files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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