How to open a .azw file
Quick, free ways to open AZW on any system.
A .azw file is a Amazon Kindle eBook. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads AZW yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .azw file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .azw. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Kindle app or Calibre.
- On Mac, use Kindle app or Calibre.
- On Linux, try Calibre.
- Still stuck? Convert the .azw to epub, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .azw files
Windows
- Kindle app
- Calibre
- Kindle Previewer
macOS
- Kindle app
- Calibre
Linux
- Calibre
Web
- Kindle Cloud Reader
!
Before you open it: Safe. An AZW is book content read by an e-reader. It does not execute.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .azw file?
Almost always because no installed app understands AZW. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
How do I open an .azw file?
Use a Kindle app on any device, or Calibre for DRM-free books. Books bought from Amazon are usually locked to your account.
Why won't my .azw open on another e-reader?
Most Amazon AZW files carry DRM tied to your Kindle account, so only Kindle apps read them. A DRM-free AZW opens more widely.