PKG File Extension

What is PKG file?

The PKG extension can be used, among others, within MacOS X operating system, developed by Apple. PKG files contain packages of compressed installer files with the XAR internal format, which purpose is to install an application on Mac computers. PKG files are actually XAR files with different extension and strictly defined hierarchy of files. The aim of the XAR project is to create an easily expandable archive format.

Advantages of PKG files

While developing the PKG format, the main aim was to create an extension, which supposed to facilitate work during the installation process, an this priority has been achieved – installation and updating using PKG files can be performed easily. Installation of software can be performed individually, or along with a script responsible for such process.

Purpose of PKG files

PKG files are currently used as listed below:

• as installation packages in Apple systems – both on computers and iPhones
• by Sony company, for purpose of installation software and applications on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4 consoles
• by Symbian systems, in order to hold configuration information within installation packages of programs
• PKG files are probably used also by Microsoft in order to store profiles on the Xbox Live platform

Programs which support PKG file extension

Programs that can handle PKG files are as follows. Files with PKG 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: 11/11/2019

How to open file with PKG extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PKG files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with PKG files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with PKG files.

Step 1. Install Apple Installer software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PKG files is that no program that can handle PKG files is installed on user’s system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Apple Installer or one to the listed programs: CharlesSoft Pacifist. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PKG files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Apple Installer website and download the installer.

Step 2. Update Apple Installer to the latest version

If you already have Apple Installer installed on your systems and PKG files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. 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 PKG files are not compatible with Apple Installer. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Apple Installer.

Step 3. Assign Apple Installer to PKG files

If you have the latest version of Apple Installer installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PKG 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 PKG with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Apple Installer installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open PKG files box and clicking OK button.

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PKG extension, 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....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PKG extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the PKG for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PKG file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PKG file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. PKG file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the PKG file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic PKG file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with PKG extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log in using an administrative account and see If this solves the problem.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Apple Installer

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

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 Mac OS X Installer Package files. It may be the case that the PKG files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the PKG file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on PKG file.