Beginning with the October 2023 update (version 23H2), Windows 11 includes native support for .tar.gz , .rar , and .7z files directly within . Steps: Right-click the file and select Extract All .
Best for: Most users who just want to open a file quickly.
If you’ve spent time on Linux or macOS, you’re likely familiar with .tar.gz files. But for Windows users, stumbling upon this extension can be puzzling. This text explains what these files are, why they appear on Windows, and—most importantly—how to open, create, or extract them without needing to switch operating systems. tar gz windows
Working with has become significantly easier in recent years. Traditionally associated with Linux and Unix environments, this "tarball" format is now natively supported in modern versions of Windows, allowing you to manage these archives without always needing third-party software. What is a .tar.gz File?
In the past, Windows users needed third-party software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to handle .tar.gz files. However, modern versions of Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11) now have built directly into the File Explorer. Beginning with the October 2023 update (version 23H2),
Here is a guide on the different ways to handle these files, starting with the built-in method.
Windows will automatically handle the double-decompression (it un-gzips the file and then un-tars it) in one step, leaving you with a neat folder containing your files. If you’ve spent time on Linux or macOS,
Pro tip: In 7-Zip, you can open the .tar.gz like a folder and drag files out—no double extraction needed.
If you want to compress a folder into a tarball via the command line: