How do I open a .bak file?

Copy it, rename the copy back to the original extension (e.g. .docx or .dwg), and open it in the matching program.

Can I just delete .bak files?

Yes, if you don't need the earlier version — they are backups of old data.

Which programs create .bak files?

Many — Microsoft Word, AutoCAD, database tools, game and app config editors all use .bak for backups.

What Is a .BAK File?

You found a .bak file next to your document. It is a backup copy. Here is how to open it, restore from it, or safely remove it.

What a .bak file is

A .bak file is a backup copy that a program saved before overwriting the original — Word, AutoCAD, game configs, database tools and many editors do this. It usually contains the previous version of your file.

How to open it

A .bak is just the original file with a different extension. To open it, make a copy and rename it back to the real extension — e.g. report.docx.bak → report-old.docx — then open it in the matching program.

How to restore from it

If your current file is corrupted or lost, rename the .bak to the original name (keep a copy first) and open it to recover the earlier version.

Is it safe to delete?

Yes, if you are happy with the current file and don't need the previous version. It only holds old data.