All about SWM Files

The SWM file type is primarily associated with DISM.

SWM	File extension: SWM
	File type:	split disk image

What is an SWM file?

SWM files mostly belong to DISM by Microsoft. An SWM file contains a fragment of a disk image that is saved in Windows Imaging Format (WIM). ImageX and/or DISM command line programs are used to split a large WIM (standalone Windows disk image) file into smaller units (SWM files) to be stored on smaller storage media. It is usually saved alongside other fragments which make up a single disk image used to deploy Windows Vista and newer versions of Windows. DISM can be used to merge a collection of SWM images. SWM is also the filename extension of a swap file used by Vim text editor.

How to open an SWM file

You need a suitable software like DISM to open an SWM file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your SWM file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a SWM file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online SWM File Viewer

Choose your .swm file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from SWM files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

If you want to extract texts from SWM file or capture a screenshot, you can use our free Online SWM File Viewer:

To do this, click the button "Choose your .swm file to view" on this page.
Your SWM file will then be displayed in the browser.
Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert SWM files:

DISM by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. SWM files are often referred to as DISM disk images because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
Supportworks ESP (message) by Hornbill Systems
Supportworks ESP is a discontinued request and service management automation software for business processes. It uses an SWM file to store a message. This file format is classified as Database.

SWM file format:

If you know the file format, you can also find out how to open or edit the file. Often, the file format can be deduced from the file extension or the initial bytes (called the signature). If the file extension or signature does not match the file format, errors will occur when opening or editing the file. Knowledge is power - this also applies when dealing with unknown or faulty files. Our examination of the SWM files comes to the following conclusion:

The SWM file extension is rather rarely used and mainly uses a special format. The following file formats are most commonly found in SWM files:

90% of all SWM files belong to Windows Imaging Format. These are binary files, so they do not contain words or text. Most of these files are 35 MB to 1 GB in size. The file type was created 10 years ago, but is still used today. The following keywords are characteristic: MSWIM. Examples of file names are Backup.swm or Install.swm. These files are attributed to preinst, oxxucd and jxxuc.
1% of all SWM files are based on the zip format, multiple files are compressed and combined into one SWM file. Tip: If you rename the file ending to .zip and then double-click it, you see the included files and images. The file size is in the range of 6.2 KB to 140 KB.

The remaining 9% of all SWM files are files with no common format. The category is effects. If you want to find out which format your SWM file belongs to, just click on the button "Choose your .swm file to view".

Technical Data for SWM File Extension

File classification:

Disk Image

Related files:

swmz, smw, swm2, swmt, wsm, svm, iso, esd, fb, crc, xml, wim, ffu, jpeg

Mime type:

application/x-ms-wim

The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.

ProgramID: 7-Zip.swm
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\7-Zip\7zFM.exe

an swm split disk image is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with SWM files

Associate the SWM file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open split disk images. Because only the current version supports the latest SWM file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available DISM update.
To make sure that your SWM file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .SWM file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.