What's the PWL File?

Written by:   |   Edited: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

PWL File Summary

Most PWL files can be viewed with Proactive System Password Recovery from ElcomSoft (the only known affiliated software application) and associated with the Windows Password List format as it's primary file type. PWL files are categorized ordinarily as System Files.

The PWL File Extension can be viewed on the Windows operating system. They are supported on both desktop and mobile devices. The main PWL file type has a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning these files are not frequently present on your typical desktop or mobile device.

Although there is a lot more to know about PWL files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Universality
1354
Standing

/ 11690

Active

Mode

26

November

2018

Amended

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Kinds of PWL Files


Primary PWL File Association

.PWL
File Ext:.pwl
Category:Windows Password List

The PWL file is a password list for Windows that stores dial-up, user logins and network passwords. The file may consist of a maximum of 255 passwords, with each of them containing a password, name, and resource type.

Programmer: Microsoft Corporation
Class:System Files
Registry Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pwl

Software Programs That Open The Windows Password List:


Proactive System Password Recovery by ElcomSoft

Windows

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PWL Usage


OS Ranking

Windows (82.33%)
Android (11.56%)
iOS (3.43%)
Macintosh (1.71%)
Linux (0.60%)


Troubleshoot PWL Files


Issues Opening PWL Files

Proactive System Password Recovery Not Present

Double-clicking your PWL file prompts the message "%%os%% Can't Open PWL File". Usually, this is because you do not have Proactive System Password Recovery for %%os%% installed. The OS won't know what to do with your PWL file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.


Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your PWL, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").


Obsolete Version of Proactive System Password Recovery

In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Windows Password List file that is unsupported by your installed application version. You will need to download a newer version of Proactive System Password Recovery if you don't have the right version. The primary cause of this problem is that your Windows Password List file was created by a different (newer) version of Proactive System Password Recovery than what's installed.


Tip: Investigate your PWL file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.


Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening PWL files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.


More Causes of Problems Opening PWLs

Assuming you have the right Proactive System Password Recovery version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening PWL files. If you're still experiencing problems opening PWL files, there could be other computer problems. Other contributing causes:

  • Invalid PWL file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
  • Accidental deletion of the description of the PWL file in the Windows registry
  • Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the PWL format
  • The PWL itself is corrupted
  • Your PWL has adversely impacted by malware
  • Drivers associated with PWL software need to be updated
  • Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Windows Password List file successfully

Quiz: What file extension is an audio file?








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