GZ File Extension

What is GZ file?

A GZ file is an archive compressed using the GNU zip (gzip) tool. The format was developed be a team of the Gnu project, which aim was to create a new, better compression in UNIX system. GZ files include helpful information – file name and time marker – which may be useful , for instance if name of a file gets reduces in the process of compression.

Where is GZ compression used?

Files in the GZ format are usually encountered in installers of software used in Unix operating systems. Besides installers, the GZ format is also quite often used for compression of specific fragments of web sites, which facilitates loading of web sites. Nonetheless, this compression method is used also for regular data archiving, therefore the GZ files can be encountered also by Windows or Linux users.

Details about GZ compression

The GZ compression method is quite specific and restricted in a certain way, because the archive may include only single file. A method to bypass this limitation is to compress multiple files using the TAR archiving tool. It will result in creating a file with TAR.GZ or TGZ extension.

Programs which support GZ file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with GZ files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. GZ files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 09/29/2023

How to open file with GZ extension?

Problems with accessing GZ may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with GZ extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Download and install WinZip

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening GZ files is that no program that can handle GZ files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing WinZip or different compatible program, such as PeaZip, 7-Zip, WinRAR. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. The safest method of downloading WinZip installed is by going to developer’s website (WinZip Computing, S.L.) and downloading the software using provided links.

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

You still cannot access GZ files although WinZip is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why GZ files are not compatible with WinZip. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using WinZip.

Step 3. Assign WinZip to GZ files

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate GZ files with latest version of WinZip you have installed 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.

Change the default application in Windows

• Clicking the GZ with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where WinZip is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open GZ files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected GZ file open the file menu and choose 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....
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with GZ extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Check the GZ for errors

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the GZ file in question. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

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

Should it happed that the GZ is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. If the GZ file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Ensure the file with GZ extension is complete and error-free

If you obtained the problematic GZ file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the GZ 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 in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Check whether your system can handle WinZip

If the systems has insufficient resources to open GZ files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Gnu Zipped Archive files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle GZ files.

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