This article explains how to use a free application for Windows computers, called, 7-Zip to open files in the GZ format (ie with the extension ".gz").
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Install 7-Zip
Step 1. Visit this website using your computer browser
7-Zip is a free program that allows you to open a wide variety of compressed files, for example GZ or TAR archives. The application is able to extract the contents of a file in GZ format so that it can then be opened normally.
Step 2. Click the Download link next to the version of Windows installed on your computer
The 7-zip installation file will be downloaded to your computer.
Before the download begins, you may need to select the destination folder
Step 3. Double-click the installation file once the download is complete
Step 4. Select the folder where you want to install 7-Zip
If you don't know which directory to select, you can use the default one ( C: / Program Files).
Step 5. Click the Install button
The application will be installed on your computer. At the end of the installation procedure, click on the "Close" button that will appear.
Step 6. Click on the Close button
At this point the 7-Zip program is correctly installed on your computer. The icon to launch the app should have appeared on the desktop and in the "Start" menu.
Part 2 of 2: Open a GZ File
Step 1. Launch the 7-Zip app
It is characterized by a black and white icon with the abbreviation "7z" inside. It should be visible directly on the computer desktop. The program window will appear.
If the program icon is not present on the desktop, access the Windows "Start" menu (by clicking on the button located in the lower left corner of the desktop), then select the option 7-Zip. You may need to click on the icon first All apps to have access to the list of all applications installed on the system.
Step 2. Navigate to the folder where the GZ file you want to unzip is stored
Click on the small folder icon located in the upper left of the program window.
Step 3. Click on the icon of the GZ file you want to open
The file in question will be highlighted.
Step 4. Click on the Extract button
It is marked with a blue minus sign ("-") icon.
Step 5. Select the destination folder using the "Extract to" drop-down menu
This is the directory where the contents of the compressed archive in GZ format will be stored. Make sure you select a folder that is easy to remember and can be accessed easily.
Step 6. Click the OK button
The files present in the compressed archive in GZ format will be extracted into the indicated folder. To view them, access it, then double-click on the file you want to open.
