Convert WDB (Works Database) to Excel or CSV
Rescue Microsoft Works database files — .wdb records converted to Excel spreadsheets or clean CSV, in bulk and entirely on your PC.
TL;DR
Install the free Works Converter trial, add your .wdb files, and convert to XLSX or CSV. Each database becomes a proper table of rows and columns you can filter, import, or analyze — with nothing uploaded.
How to convert WDB to Excel (XLSX) — step by step
Install Works Converter (free trial)
Download the offline installer for Windows 10/11. The trial converts up to 15 files with every feature enabled.
Add your WDB files or a folder
Drag in .wdb files or point the app at a folder tree. Subfolders are scanned automatically, and Works content is detected even when extensions are missing.
Choose XLSX or CSV output
Pick Excel (.xlsx) for a ready-to-use spreadsheet, or CSV to import the records into another database, CRM, or data pipeline.
Convert and use your records
Click Convert — files process locally in parallel. Each database opens as a clean table of rows and fields, ready to filter or import.
Why convert Works database files?
The Microsoft Works Database (.wdb) has no modern successor — no current application opens it, so those records are effectively locked. Converting WDB to XLSX or CSV is the only practical way to read customer lists, inventories, and archives that were built in Works.
CSV is the universal import format for databases, CRMs, and analytics tools, while XLSX keeps everything in a familiar spreadsheet grid. Works Converter emits either, so the data lands wherever you need it next.
Safer than online WDB converters
Searching for a "free online WDB converter" means uploading your files to someone else's server — a real problem for financial records, client data, and anything else confidential. Works Converter runs entirely on your Windows PC: files are converted locally and never leave your machine. It also handles thousands of files in one batch, which no upload-one-file-at-a-time website can do.
The free trial converts up to 15 files with every feature enabled — for most people that's the whole job. Larger archives are covered by a one-time $49.95 lifetime license. No subscription, no watermarks, no uploads.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free way to convert WDB to Excel?
Yes. The free trial of Works Converter converts up to 15 files with full features — no signup and no watermarks. For unlimited conversions, a lifetime license is a one-time $49.95 (no subscription).
Is this an online converter? Do my files get uploaded?
No. Works Converter is a Windows desktop app — every conversion runs 100% locally on your PC. Nothing is uploaded, which matters for financial, legal, and other confidential archives that shouldn't be pasted into a random website.
Can I convert an entire folder of WDB files at once?
Yes. Point Works Converter at a folder (it scans subfolders recursively), select Excel as the output, and it batch-converts everything — thousands of files in one run, processed in parallel.
Which Microsoft Works versions are supported?
Works Converter reads files from Microsoft Works 2.0 through Works 9 and the Works Suite editions, and detects Works content even when file extensions are missing or wrong.
What program opens .wdb files today?
None of the current Office apps open .wdb (Microsoft Works Database) files. Works Converter reads them directly and exports the records to Excel (.xlsx) or CSV, which every modern tool can open.
Should I convert WDB to Excel or CSV?
Choose XLSX if you want to work with the records in a spreadsheet right away, or CSV if you need to import them into another database, CRM, or analytics tool. Works Converter can produce both in one run.
Related
Unlock the records inside your Works databases
Free trial converts 15 files to Excel or CSV — batch, offline, no uploads.
Free trial
Full app features - up to 15 files
Windows 10 or 11
Download the offline installer below for the full 15-file trial. Microsoft Store install will appear here once our listing is approved.
| Microsoft StoreComing soon | Offline installerAvailable now |
|---|---|
Microsoft Store Coming soon — listing in review | Download Installer Same trial as Store |
More than Microsoft Works files?
Legacy File Converter · from $99
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