UtilityNest

Extract TAR Files

Open TAR archives and compressed tarballs on any computer or phone. Compressed files are unpacked in one step, and you can pick exactly which files to save.

한국어로 보기
  • Files stay on your device
  • No sign-up
  • Free, no limits

How to use Extract TAR Files

  1. 1Drop a .tar, .tar.gz, .tgz or .tar.xz file into the box. It opens immediately.
  2. 2Browse the folder tree or search by file name. Preview text files, scripts and images with the eye icon.
  3. 3Untick files you do not need.
  4. 4Download single files, download the selection as a ZIP, or choose Extract to a folder in Chrome or Edge. For compressed tarballs you can also download the plain .tar.

TAR, TAR.GZ and TGZ in one step

A TAR file bundles files and folders together; a .tar.gz or .tgz is that bundle compressed with GZIP, and .tar.xz is compressed with XZ. On Windows these usually need two steps or extra software. Here the decompression and unpacking happen together, and you see the file list right away.

The tool reads standard POSIX (ustar), GNU and PAX tar files, including long file names. Symbolic links and device files are listed but not extracted.

Typical uses

  • Grabbing one config file or log from a server backup without unpacking everything.
  • Opening source code downloads (.tar.gz, .tar.xz) on Windows.
  • Checking what is inside a tarball before you run anything from it.

Limits

Files up to 1 GB can be opened, depending on your device's memory, because the archive is decompressed in the browser. .tar.bz2 and .tar.zst files are recognized but not supported yet; the tool tells you which command or program to use instead.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open a .tar.gz file on Windows?

Drop it on this page. It is decompressed and unpacked in your browser, and you can download the files or extract them to a folder. Windows 11 can also open them in File Explorer.

What is the difference between .tar.gz and .tgz?

None. .tgz is a short form of .tar.gz. Both are TAR archives compressed with GZIP, and both open here.

Can I extract a single file from a tarball?

Yes. Find it in the tree or with search and click its download icon.

Are .tar.bz2 files supported?

Not yet. On Mac or Linux run tar -xjf file.tar.bz2, or use 7-Zip on Windows.

Is my archive uploaded anywhere?

No. The archive is decompressed and unpacked in your browser, so server backups and private files stay on your device.

Related guides

October 20, 2026 · 5 min readHow to Open a .tar.gz File on Windows (No Extra Software)