VDW File Extension

What is VDW file?

VDW is a file extension commonly associated with Visio Web Drawing files. Visio Web Drawing specification was created by Microsoft. VDW files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. VDW file format, along with 303 other file formats, belongs to the Web Files category. The most popular software that supports VDW files is Visio 2010.

Programs which support VDW file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support VDW files. Files with VDW 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 VDW extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening VDW files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with VDW files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with VDW files.

Step 1. Get the Visio 2010

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports VDW files installed on the system. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download Visio 2010 and install it on your device. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading Visio 2010 installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of Visio 2010 and update if needed

If you already have Visio 2010 installed on your systems and VDW files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of Visio 2010 installed, it may not support VDW 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 Visio 2010.

Step 3. Assign Visio 2010 to VDW files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate VDW files with latest version of Visio 2010 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

• Right-click the VDW file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Visio 2010 installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open VDW files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected VDW file open the file menu and choose Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select Visio 2010 and click Change for all...
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with VDW extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Verify that the VDW is not faulty

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the VDW file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the VDW 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. VDW file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the VDW file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. 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. If the VDW file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Visio Web Drawing file again.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Visio 2010

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

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

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Visio Web Drawing files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with VDW files affecting older versions of given software.

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