How to Unzip a GZ File in Windows: 3 Ways

You can unzip GZ files without third party tools

3 min. read

Updated onFebruary 19, 2024

updated onFebruary 19, 2024

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Many use GZ archives to share files, and in this guide, we’ll show you how to unzip GZ file on Windows.

This is simpler than you think, so without further ado, let’s get started.

How do I extract GZ files on Windows?

1. Use a dedicated third-party decompression tool

Since GZ files are compressed formats, after all, it goes without saying that extracting them requires a utility that can perform this task.

That being the case, we would like to recommend you try outWinZip, the world’s best file archiver and unzipper.

The program is extremely lightweight and intuitive, and once you install it on your PC, it integrates itself into your interface, allowing you full access to its toolset whenever the opportunity arises.

Other useful features:

Here’s how you can use WinZip to extract GZ files:

Note:You will be automatically directed to extract the file found in the folder that contains it.

There are other options to choose from this context menu, but in the case at hand, none have anything to do with extraction, so we’ll ignore them.

Once you’ve followed these steps, the file’s content should now be extracted in the location of your choosing.

WinZip

2. Unzip a GZ file using Command Prompt

It is very easy to unzip a GZ file on Windows 10 using Command Prompt, also known as cmd. It is a built-in app which allows you to communicate with the OS through commands.

Press theWindows Keyto open theStart Menu.
Type incmdto search forCommand Prompt.
Right click on the result and selectRun as Administrator. You will now be able to accessCommand Promptwith Administrator rights.
Type in the following command:tar -xvzf C:\PATH\TO\FILE\FILE-NAME.tar.gz -C C:\PATH\TO\FOLDER\EXTRACTION
PressEnterto initialize the command you just typed.
You are now able to unzip GZ files in Windows 10.

3. How can I unzip GZ files with Powershell?

By following these steps, you should now be able to extract GZ files in whatever manner you find useful. If you’re working with similar file types, ourhow to open TGZ fileguide should come in handy.

For other file types, don’t miss our guide on how tounzip files on Windows 11for more solutions.

Let us know which of the methods described above was more useful to you, by leaving your feedback in the comments section below.

How to Unzip a GZ File in Windows: 3 Ways#

How do I extract GZ files on Windows?#

1. Use a dedicated third-party decompression tool#

WinZip#

2. Unzip a GZ file using Command Prompt#

3. How can I unzip GZ files with Powershell?#