This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission.

How To Open GZ Files (5 Methods)

Ezriah Zippernowsky
August 30 2023


GZ files, short for Gzip, are the digital equivalent of a tight wrap around a single banana. They are often used to compress just one file. However, they’re usually paired with .tar files (which combine multiple files into one). When merged, you encounter a .tar.gz extension, fondly called a “tarball”. Picture this: a bunch of bananas bundled together and then wrapped up—that’s the essence of these files!

Table of contents

Video guide showing how to open GZ files in your browser.

How To Open GZ Files on Windows

  1. Fetch WinRAR: If you haven’t already, download and install WinRAR, your go-to tool for opening a variety of archive files.

    How To Open GZ Files on Windows using WinRAR: Step 1

  2. Locate the GZ File: Navigate to where your GZ file is saved.

    How To Open GZ Files on Windows using WinRAR: Step 2

  3. Right-Click and extract: Once you’ve found your GZ file, give it a right-click to open the context menu. From the side menu, choose ‘Extract here’. This action will unzip the contents of the GZ file right in the current folder. It’s like slowly peeling away the layers of a banana to get to the delicious insides!

    How To Open GZ Files on Windows using WinRAR: Step 3 How To Open GZ Files on Windows using WinRAR: Step 3 How To Open GZ Files on Windows using WinRAR: Step 3

How To Open GZ Files on macOS

Apple aficionados, here’s your guide:

  1. Double-Click Wonder: macOS has built-in tools. A simple double-click on the GZ file should get the job done! How To Open GZ Files on macOS: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on macOS: Step 2
  2. Terminal Route: If you’re a fan of command lines, open Terminal and punch in gunzip filename.gz. How To Open GZ Files on macOS: Step 3 How To Open GZ Files on macOS: Step 4

How To Open GZ Files on Linux

Linux, the tech wilderness, has its tricks:

  1. The Terminal Way: Like macOS, the gunzip command in Terminal is your friend. How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 1
  2. GUI Path: Most Linux distributions come equipped with archive managers. A right-click on the GZ file and ‘Extract’ should do the trick. How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2 How To Open GZ Files on Linux: Step 2

How To Open GZ Files Online With Browser

The easiest option that doesn’t require any additional software is to use your browser!

Extracting GZ Files Online:

  1. Hop Online: Navigate to ezyZip’s GZ extractor. How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 1
  2. Upload & Unleash: Select your GZ file, let the online tool work its charm, and then grab your extracted files. How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2a How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2b How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2c How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2d How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2e How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2f How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2g How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2h

Converting GZ to ZIP Online

  1. Online Transformation: Head to ezyZip’s GZ to ZIP converter. How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 1
  2. Change & Collect: Upload the GZ, wait a tick, and snag the fresh ZIP file. How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2a How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2b How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2c How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2d How To Open GZ Files Online: Step 2e