How to Open GZ File in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ever stumbled upon a .gz file on your Windows 11 PC and wondered, “How do I even open this thing?” Don’t worry — you’re not alone. GZ files can look confusing at first, but once you know what they are and how to handle them, it’s actually quite simple.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about GZ files on Windows 11 — what they are, why they’re used, and the easiest methods to open, extract, and manage them.

What is a GZ File?

Before we jump into the “how,” let’s clear up the “what.”

A GZ file is a compressed archive created using the GNU Zip (gzip) compression tool.
It’s commonly used in Linux and UNIX systems, but you’ll often find them shared across platforms.
The purpose? To reduce file size for faster transfers and storage savings.

Think of it like a zipped suitcase — it packs your files tighter so they’re easier to move.

Why Do You Need to Open GZ Files in Windows 11?

You’ll run into GZ files in several scenarios:

Downloading software packages from the internet.
Receiving files from Linux/Unix users.
Working with backups or logs compressed in GZ format.
Saving storage space when handling large files.

If you’re a developer, IT student, or just someone downloading files online, chances are you’ll encounter one sooner or later.

Does Windows 11 Natively Support GZ Files?

Here’s the catch: Windows 11 does not natively support GZ files.

Unlike ZIP files (which you can open by default), GZ requires a third-party tool. But don’t worry — there are plenty of free, safe, and lightweight options available.

Popular Tools to Open GZ Files in Windows 11

Here are some tried-and-tested tools you can use:

7-Zip – Free, open-source, lightweight.
WinRAR – Popular and powerful (free trial available).
WinZip – Feature-rich, but not free.
PeaZip – Free, user-friendly alternative.
Online Extractors – Good for small files without installation.

Method 1: Open GZ File Using 7-Zip (Recommended)

This is the most popular method because 7-Zip is free, fast, and reliable.

Step 1: Download and Install 7-Zip

Go to the 7-Zip official website.
Download the version compatible with your system (32-bit or 64-bit).
Install it like any other Windows program.

Step 2: Locate Your GZ File

Find the GZ file in File Explorer.

Step 3: Right-Click and Extract

Right-click on the file.
Hover over 7-Zip in the context menu.
Choose Extract Here or Extract to [Folder Name].

That’s it! The contents will appear in the chosen folder.

Method 2: Open GZ File Using WinRAR

WinRAR is another popular option.

Steps:

Download and install WinRAR from the official site.
Right-click on the GZ file.
Select Extract Here or Extract to Folder.

WinRAR makes extraction quick and easy.

Method 3: Open GZ File Using WinZip

If you prefer WinZip (though it’s paid after the trial):

Download and install WinZip.
Right-click the GZ file.
Select WinZip > Extract to… and choose your destination.

Method 4: Open GZ File Online (No Installation Required)

Don’t want to install software? Use an online GZ extractor.

How to Do It:

Visit a trusted site like Extract.me or ezyZip.com.
Upload your GZ file.
Extract and download the contents.

⚠️ Caution: Avoid uploading sensitive or large files online due to privacy concerns.

Method 5: Open GZ File Using Command Line (For Advanced Users)

If you like doing things the geeky way, you can use Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) or tools like gzip for Windows.

Steps with WSL:

Install WSL and enable Linux support on Windows 11.
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell.
Navigate to the directory of your GZ file.
Run:

gzip -d filename.gz

This will decompress the file.

How to Check What’s Inside a GZ File Before Extracting

Sometimes, you just want to peek inside without fully extracting.

With 7-Zip or WinRAR, right-click the GZ file and select Open Archive.
You’ll see the contents and can choose specific files to extract.

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My GZ File Open?

Sometimes things don’t go smoothly. Here are common issues:

File is corrupted – Try downloading again.
Wrong tool – Make sure your software supports GZ.
Double compression – Some GZ files contain a TAR file (tar.gz). You’ll need to extract twice: first the GZ, then the TAR.

What is a TAR.GZ File?

You may also encounter .tar.gz files.

TAR groups files together.
GZ compresses the TAR archive.

So, TAR.GZ is basically a “compressed package.” To open it:

Extract the GZ file first.
Then extract the resulting TAR file.

Which Method Should You Use?

Beginner users: Go with 7-Zip.
Regular users: WinRAR or WinZip.
Quick access: Online extractors.
Tech-savvy users: Command line or WSL.

Tips for Managing GZ Files on Windows 11

Always use official websites when downloading extraction tools.
Be cautious with email attachments in GZ format — they may hide malware.
Store large GZ archives on an external drive or cloud service.

Alternatives to GZ Format

If you’re compressing files yourself, consider:

ZIP – Native support in Windows.
RAR – Strong compression (requires WinRAR).
7Z – High compression with 7-Zip.

Conclusion

Opening a GZ file in Windows 11 is easier than it looks. While Windows doesn’t support it natively, tools like 7-Zip, WinRAR, and WinZip make the process effortless. You can even use online extractors or the command line if you prefer.

Just remember: some GZ files contain TAR archives, so you might need to extract them twice. With this guide, you can now handle GZ files like a pro — no more scratching your head when you see that “.gz” extension.

FAQs

1. Can Windows 11 open GZ files without software?
No, you’ll need third-party tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.

2. What’s the difference between GZ and ZIP files?
ZIP is supported natively by Windows, while GZ is primarily a Linux/Unix format. Both compress files but in different ways.

3. Is it safe to open GZ files on Windows 11?
Yes, if the file comes from a trusted source. Avoid unknown GZ attachments.

4. How do I open a TAR.GZ file in Windows 11?
First extract the GZ file, then extract the resulting TAR file.

5. Which tool is best for opening GZ files in Windows 11?
7-Zip is the best free and reliable option.