This article describes three formats that use ESD files. It also explains how to open each type and what options you have for converting your file to another file format.

A file with the ESD file extension is a file that has been downloaded using Microsoft's Electronic Software Download application, so the file itself is called a Windows Electronic Software Download file. It stores an encoded Windows Imaging Format (.WIM) file.

You may see this file when you upgrade your Windows operating system. This is often the case when you download a file from Microsoft's website to install something like Windows 11.

Other ESD files, on the other hand, may be completely unrelated and represent an ExpertScan Survey Document file. This type is used with the Expert Scan software to store surveys, forms, and/or reports. Still others may be casebook files created with Easy Street Draw.