XZ File Extension

What is XZ file?

XZ is an data archive file format that uses XZ compression method. The format is native to XZ Utils sotware tool. XZ Utils and XZ format were developed as a part of The Tukaani Project (a GNU/Linux system distro based on Slackware).

XZ and TAR

XZ archive can only store a single file and because of that XZ files are commonly used combined with TAR archives – TAR archives selected files and XZ algorithm is used for compression of said archive. The suffix of such file is TAR.XZ or TXZ .

LZMA compression algorithm

XZ compression method is based on LZMA standard. It allows for high compression ratios and effects in sigificantly reduced file size of generated archive (XZ archives are typically 30% smaller than GZIP and 15% smaller than BZIP2 archives). XZ offers lossless compression method to prevent information loss.

Additional information

1. Compared to other compression methods, XZ compression process is rather slow, but decompression is significantly faster.
2. XZ archives are used for distributing Slackware Linux packages.

Programs which support XZ file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open XZ files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. XZ files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 01/23/2024

How to open file with XZ extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening XZ files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with XZ 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. Get the 7-Zip

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports XZ files installed on the system. This one is an easy one. Select 7-Zip or one of the recommended programs (for example, PeaZip, XZ Embedded, The Unarchiver) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support XZ files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading 7-Zip installed is by going to developer’s website (Igor Pavlov) and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Check the version of 7-Zip and update if needed

If the problems with opening XZ files still occur even after installing 7-Zip, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of 7-Zip is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why XZ files are not compatible with 7-Zip. The most recent version of 7-Zip is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open XZ files to 7-Zip

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate XZ files with latest version of 7-Zip you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the XZ file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the 7-Zip installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open XZ files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with XZ extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• 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 XZ extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Check the XZ for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the XZ file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

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

If the XZ is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the XZ file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the XZ file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If you obtained the problematic XZ 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 XZ file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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. Check whether your system can handle 7-Zip

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with XZ Compressed Archive files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with XZ files affecting older versions of given software.

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