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Dmp File Viewer: 3 Best We Tested & How to Open / Read

DMP files store information about crashes and errors

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Let us talk about the DMP file viewer.

There’s a large portion of Windows system files that are not as easily accessed as some others. One of those Windows-exclusive extensions is known as DMP (.dmp) orWindows Memory Dumpfiles.

Today, we explain these files’ value and, most importantly, the means to open them in Windows 10.

What is .DMP file?

What is .DMP file?

Windows Memory Dump files with the .dmp extension are system files stored in abinary format. These files are automatically created if there’s an error or sudden crash of the third-party program or system feature.

They store the details about the crash, so most seasoned users will utilize .dmp files to troubleshoot the affected programs.

If there’s aBSOD (Blue Screen of Death), the details about the possible causes (drivers or other software are usual suspects) must be found in the automatically-generated .dmp file.

For obvious reasons, they are mostly named Memory.dmp or Crash.dmp, respectively. Size-wise, they might be small individually.

However, as they tend to pile up over time, DMP files can take up a lot of storage space when bundled. So, you can clean them up with ease with theDisk Cleanuputility.

Now, opening DMP files isn’t exactly simple since Windows 10 doesn’t offer a built-in tool. There’s a good reason for this, as most common users will not need or want to access them in the first place.

However, a few third-party utility tools should enable you to open and read DMP files.

How can I use DMP file viewer?

How can I use DMP file viewer?

1. Use a DMP file viewer online

2. Use WhoCrashed

This tool requires installation, but it’s fairly usable and has all the features you’ll need. You can even simulate the system crash (do this with caution) with certain parameters.

3. Use NirSoft DMP file viewer

The app is a portable small-sized application, so it doesn’t require installation. Once you get it, just extract it and run the EXE file. However, we’re rushing. Firstly, you must let the system create the dump files readable by the third-party software.3. Use WinDbg.

The latest Windows packages are equipped with debugging tools that often include a DMP file viewer. The most popular ones are WinDbg.exe (the Windows Debugger), KD.exe, CDB, and NTSD. They are also part of the WDK (Windows Driver Kit). The one we recommend to open DMP files is WinDbg.

1.Download andinstall WDK from the Microsoft official page(When doing so, you can also choose to install only Debugging Tools for Windows as a standalone package).

  1. Press theWindows keyto open the search bar.

  2. TypeWinDbgin the search bar and open it withadmin rights.

4.Next, navigate to theFilemenu.

  1. Click onStart debugging.

  2. Moreover, selectOpen Dump file.

  3. Browse your PC for the DMP file you want to open.

  4. Click onOpenafter you select it.

  5. The DMP file will now be opened and you can read it.

After analyses of dump files, you often have tofix the corrupted memory dump. Deleting these files will have no negative effect on your computer. They are mainly used for debugging purposes.

You might want to keep them in case of errors or bugs. They will provide information about who is responsible for a crash or an error message.

That should do it. If you have alternative ways to open and read DMP files, tell us in the comment section below. We’ll be glad to hear from you.

More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11

Aleksandar Ognjanovic

Aleksandar’s main passion is technology. With a solid writing background, he is determined to bring the bleeding edge to the common user. With a keen eye, he always spots the next big thing surrounding Microsoft and the Windows OS.

Focused on Windows errors and how to solve them, he also writes about the OS’s latest features as well as its interface.

In his free time, he likes to read, listen to music, and enjoy the nature. Hiking is one of his newly found passions.

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