What Is a GZ File and How to Open It on Any Device
You downloaded a file. It doesn’t open. It ends in .gz—and now you’re stuck. You were expecting a document or folder. But instead, you’ve got a compressed archive you’ve never seen before.
That’s why this article exists. I’ll explain what a GZ file is and how to unzip it easily, no matter what device you’re on.
What Is a GZ File?
A GZ file is a compressed file. It’s made using a tool called Gzip, short for “GNU zip.” These files are often found on Linux systems and in online downloads like software packages, backups, or web server data.
Inside a GZ file, there’s usually just one file, but sometimes, it holds another archive, like .tar.gz, which bundles multiple files together.
Why GZ Files Are Used
GZ files make things smaller. That means faster downloads, easier file transfers, and less storage use. They’re very common in open-source software, backups, and code shared through websites or GitHub.
Many servers use Gzip to compress files before sending them. That’s why developers, Linux users, and sysadmins often work with them. But even regular users may get a .gz file without realizing it—especially when downloading from sites that share compressed folders.
Common GZ File Types You May See
These are the GZ-related file extensions you might run into:
- .gz — Single file compressed using Gzip
- .tar.gz — A group of files put into a
.tarbundle, then compressed - .tgz — Same as
.tar.gz, just a shorter name - .svgz — A compressed version of an SVG image file
So not all GZ files are the same. The extension tells you what’s inside.
How to Open a GZ File on Windows
If you’re using Windows, follow these steps:
- Download and install 7-Zip (free and safe)
- Right-click the
.gzfile - Select 7-Zip > Extract Here
- If it’s a
.tar.gz, extract twice: once for the.gz, again for the.tar
WinRAR and PeaZip also work, but 7-Zip is the easiest and free.
How to Open a GZ File on Mac
Macs have a built-in tool that works:
- Double-click the
.gzfile - It will unzip automatically using Archive Utility
- If nothing happens, download The Unarchiver from the App Store
You can also use Terminal. Just type:
gunzip filename.gz
This will unzip it in the same folder.
How to Open a GZ File on Linux
If you’re on Linux, you can use the Terminal. Here are two standard commands:
- For a plain GZ file:
gunzip file.gz - For a tar.gz archive:
tar -xvzf file.tar.gz
Most desktop Linux environments also support GZ files through file explorers like Nautilus. Just right-click and extract.
Best Free Tools for GZ Files
These tools are free, safe, and work across platforms:
- 7-Zip – Windows
- WinRAR – Windows
- PeaZip – Windows/Linux
- The Unarchiver – macOS
- gzip / gunzip – Linux and macOS (command line)
- VLC – Sometimes used to extract if the GZ file contains media
Can’t Open the File? Try These Fixes
Here’s what you can try if nothing works:
- The file might be corrupt—try re-downloading it
- Check if it’s actually a .tar.gz, and extract twice
- Try a different unzip tool—not all support every GZ format
- Rename the file if the extension looks broken or wrong
- If the file came from an email or upload, make sure it’s complete
Final Thoughts: Handle GZ Files with Ease
GZ files aren’t as scary as they look. They’re just compressed files—used to save space or group things together. Once you know the right tool, it takes only seconds to unzip one.
Use 7-Zip on Windows, Archive Utility on Mac, or gunzip on Linux. Stick with trusted apps and avoid random extractors online.
Got a friend who’s also confused by GZ files? Share this with them—it might save them hours of guessing.
