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.MPW file extension

To open .MPW files on Windows, if the file came from a Microsoft Project Workspace context, open it with Microsoft Project (File → Open, or double-click if associated).

To open an .MPW file, first identify where it came from: if it’s from a Microsoft Project/Project Workspace context, open it with Microsoft Project. If it’s from an OpenText Exstream Empower workflow, it may be a ZIP-based package (MIME: application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip) intended for Empower tooling rather than a general-purpose viewer.

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Last updated: June 10, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

What “reviewed” means on this page
  • Format fit: whether the “what is this file?” description matches common real-world use of the extension, including category, typical MIME types, and aliases.
  • Opening paths: whether Windows / macOS / Linux steps read plausibly for current OS dialogs and default apps; we remove fantasy menus and unsafe shortcuts.
  • Security framing: whether risk notes match the extension class (for example executables vs plain data) and whether affiliate wording does not contradict the security section.
  • Sources and further reading: whether external links point to vendors, standards bodies, or other primary references where possible; we avoid inventing details we cannot ground.
  • Limits: this is clarity and safety-messaging QA, not a guarantee that every statement is exhaustive or that every binary you download is harmless.

Full methodology in the Imprint — The Imprint also states where AI is used and what that does—and does not—replace.

Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .MPW files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .MPW files safely.

Windows

  1. If the file came from a Microsoft Project Workspace context, open it with Microsoft Project (File → Open, or double-click if associated).
  2. If you suspect it is an Exstream Empower package (often delivered as a vendor ZIP package), try opening it with the relevant OpenText Exstream Empower tooling used in your organization.
Full Windows guide

Mac

  1. If it is a Microsoft Project Workspace-related .MPW file, open it on a Windows PC with Microsoft Project (macOS typically won’t have native support for this file type).
  2. If it is an Exstream Empower package, transfer it to a desktop environment where your organization’s OpenText Exstream Empower tools are installed.
Full Mac guide

Linux

  1. If it is a Microsoft Project Workspace .MPW file, open it on Windows with Microsoft Project (Linux typically won’t have native support).
  2. If it is an Exstream Empower vendor ZIP package, use a desktop system with your organization’s Empower tooling to open/import it.
Full Linux guide

iOS

  1. iOS generally cannot open .MPW directly; send the file to a desktop system and open it with Microsoft Project or your organization’s OpenText Exstream Empower tools.
Full iOS guide

Android

  1. Android generally cannot open .MPW directly; transfer it to a desktop system and open it with Microsoft Project or your organization’s OpenText Exstream Empower tools.
Full Android guide

Security notes

  • Treat .MPW files from unknown sources with caution: they may be ZIP-based vendor packages (application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip) that can contain many embedded files and potentially risky content if opened/imported into complex software.
  • Avoid “testing” an unknown .MPW by renaming it or forcing it into unrelated tools; use the expected application (Microsoft Project or your Empower toolchain) to reduce the chance of parser errors or unintended behaviors.
  • If the .MPW originated from a business workflow system, open it only in a controlled environment (e.g., a work machine with the approved software) to avoid accidental import of untrusted package contents.

What can hide inside an archive

Compressed packages can contain executables or scripts you only see after extraction. Double extensions and nested archives are common tricks. Scan unexpected downloads before unpacking, and extract to an empty folder so you can review contents safely.

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Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .MPW files fail to open.

Common reasons

  • The file won’t open or opens in the wrong app
  • It was treated like a ZIP but looks “corrupt”
  • Missing or incomplete file content

Fix steps

  1. Confirm the source: Microsoft Project/Project Workspace vs. an OpenText Exstream Empower workflow.
  2. On Windows, use “Open with…” and explicitly choose Microsoft Project for Project Workspace files.
  3. If it’s from Empower, open/import it with the Empower toolchain used by your organization (not a generic archive viewer).

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .MPW file?

.MPW most commonly refers to a Microsoft Project Workspace settings file that is referenced by Microsoft Project to store workspace-related settings. Separately, the officially registered vendor MIME type application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip has been associated with the .mpw extension, indicating a ZIP-based package used by an Exstream Empower workflow.

Background

In everyday use, .MPW is best known as a Microsoft Project Workspace settings file. These files are not general “archives” you browse like a .zip; they are typically opened or referenced from within the application that created them (Microsoft Project).

Common MIME types: application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip

Further reading

Authoritative resources for more details on the .MPW format.

Common .MPW issues

The file won’t open or opens in the wrong app

.MPW is used by more than one ecosystem; your system may not know which app to use, or you may not have the correct software installed.

  1. Confirm the source: Microsoft Project/Project Workspace vs. an OpenText Exstream Empower workflow.
  2. On Windows, use “Open with…” and explicitly choose Microsoft Project for Project Workspace files.
  3. If it’s from Empower, open/import it with the Empower toolchain used by your organization (not a generic archive viewer).

It was treated like a ZIP but looks “corrupt”

Even if an .MPW is associated with a ZIP-based vendor type, it may not be intended for manual extraction or may rely on specific structure expected by Empower software.

  1. Don’t rename the file to .zip and assume it’s a normal archive; instead, use the application that produced it.
  2. If you must inspect it for troubleshooting, do so on a copy of the file and consult the workflow/tooling that generated it.

Missing or incomplete file content

If an .MPW was partially downloaded or transferred, the creating application may fail to open it or report errors.

  1. Re-download or re-transfer the file, ideally using a method that preserves file integrity (e.g., re-export from the source system).
  2. Ask the sender to provide the file again or export the related project/workspace/package anew.

FAQ

Is .MPW really an “archive” file?

Not always. The most common use described publicly is a Microsoft Project Workspace settings file. However, .mpw is also associated with a vendor ZIP-based MIME type (application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip), so some .MPW files may be packaged data used by Exstream Empower.

What program opens .MPW files?

For Microsoft Project Workspace-related .MPW files, Microsoft Project is the relevant software. For .MPW files used in an OpenText Exstream Empower workflow, use the Empower tooling used by your organization.

Can I convert an .MPW file by renaming it to .ZIP or another extension?

No. Renaming doesn’t convert the underlying format. If it is a vendor ZIP package, the structure may still require the correct Empower software to use it properly.

What MIME type is associated with .MPW?

A registered vendor media type exists: application/vnd.exstream-empower+zip, which has been associated with the .mpw extension in discussions and mappings.

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