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What is a Z file extension?

A Z file is compressed UNIX file used to archive files and save space. Like many UNIX compression formats, a Z file can only contain one file. However it can be used to deliver a group of files as long as they have been archived by a multi-file archive tool first. On a UNIX system, this file can be handled using the Compress or Decompress commands. On a Windows system, you can open Z files using WinZip.

Winzip Z extractor

How to open Z files

  1. Save the .z 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.

Open Z files on Windows or Mac

  • WinZip 25
  • 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 Z 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 open your Z 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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