GPG File Extension

What is GPG file?

GPG file format is used files created with GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG), a file encryption tool. GPG filecontains public security keys and encrypted tokens.

GPG security keys

Security keys stored in GPG files use OpenPGP standard defined by RFC2440, the same standard the PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) format uses. GPG security keys are used for decrypting files encrypted with GNU Privacy Guard.

Programs which support GPG file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with GPG files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with GPG suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 11/11/2022

How to open file with GPG extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening GPG files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with GPG files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Download and install GnuPG

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports GPG files installed on the system. The solution is straightforward, just download and install GnuPG. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading GnuPG installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of GnuPG

If you already have GnuPG installed on your systems and GPG files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. The reason that GnuPG cannot handle files with GPG may be that the software is outdated. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using GnuPG.

Step 3. Associate GNU Privacy Guard Public Keyring files with GnuPG

If you have the latest version of GnuPG installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage GPG on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the GPG file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the GnuPG installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open GPG files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the GPG file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with GPG extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the GPG file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper GPG file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The GPG may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the GPG is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the GPG file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the GPG file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the GPG file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the GNU Privacy Guard Public Keyring file.

4. Check whether your system can handle GnuPG

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with GPG extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Check if you have the latest updates to the operating system and drivers

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with GNU Privacy Guard Public Keyring file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with GPG files affecting older versions of given software.

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