How to open XZ files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems
When you encounter a problem with an unknown XZ file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with XZ files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.
XZ File Extension
- File type XZ Compressed Archive
- File developer Tukaani
- File category Compressed Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) XZ file?
The XZ Compressed Archive file format, designed by the XZ Utils team, is a single file compression format that supports both lossless data compression and large data sizes. This file format stores an archived group of files and directories along with their attributes in a highly compressed form. The XZ compressor uses the Lempel-Ziv-Markov chain algorithm (LZMA2) for compressing data efficiently, and works best when used to compress large files.
XZ archives are identified by the .xz file extension. XZ archives can be opened and extracted using most popular archive utilities such as WinZip, 7-zip, and WinRAR. They are widely used for distributing large pieces of data, such as Linux distributions, ISO images, and software updates, since the size of these files is significantly reduced by compressing them with XZ.
How to open XZ file?
In some cases problems may occur when trying to open XZ files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.
Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
The first thing user should do is to associate application with XZ files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports XZ files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with XZ files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.
In order to open XZ file, focus on steps 1 and 2
In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with XZ extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.
Step 2 – Install a program that supports XZ files
Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting XZ files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:
Programs that support files with XZ extension
Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors
- Corrupted storage medium on which the XZ file is stored
- File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
- Compatibility issues – check whether XZ extension is compatible with user’s operating system
- Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file
Step 4 – Contact an expert
If you are still unable to open XZ file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports XZ files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.
Similar file extensions
- File extension File name
- .XZFX ZipLogix ZipForm Format
- .XZM Slackware Linux Package
