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What is a GZ file extension?

GZ files are compressed files created using the gzip compression utility, which was initially created by two software developers to replace and improve on Compress in UNIX. This utility is most commonly used on UNIX and Linux systems. gzip files contain useful information such as the original file name and timestamp, which is handy when a compressed file name has been truncated or the timestamp lost when the file was transferred. GZ compression is often used to compress some elements of web pages to speed up page loading. If you need to unzip GZ files then keep on reading to find out how.

Winzip GZ extractor

How to open GZ files

  1. Save the .gz file to the desktop. If your compressed file was downloaded from a website, it may be saved in the Downloads folder in your Documents or user directory.
  2. Launch WinZip from your start menu or Desktop shortcut. Open the compressed file by clicking File > Open. If your system has the compressed file extension associated with WinZip program, just double-click on the file.
  3. Select all the files and folders inside the compressed file. Or multi-select only the files or folders you want to open by holding the CTRL key and left-clicking on them.
  4. Click 1-click Unzip and choose Unzip to PC or Cloud in the WinZip toolbar under the Unzip/Share tab.
  5. Choose the destination folder to place the extracting files and click "Unzip" button.
  6. Find your extracted files in the destination folder.

Extract GZ files on Windows or Mac

  • WinZip 24
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows XP
  • Internet Explorer 8 or later
  • WinZip Mac 8
  • Mac OS X 10.8, 10.9, or 10.10
  • Intel 64-bit processor
  • Supports Apple Retina Displays

WinZip opens and extracts GZ Compressed Archive Files—and many more formats

We designed WinZip to open and extract from the widest range of file formats, including all of the following:

Get WinZip now to decompress your GZ file(s), then enjoy all that the world's most popular compression utility has to offer, including the easiest and most practical file compression, encryption, packaging, file management and data backup capabilities.


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