TAR.XZ File Extension

What is TAR.XZ file?

Files with the TAR.XZ extension belong to the archive file category.

What do TAR.XZ files contain?

The contents of files with the TAR.XZ extension are resources compressed using the LZMA2 algorithm. It is supported by default by Unix systems, and in Windows environments it is used by newer versions of the data compression application called 7 -Zip. Files with the TAR.XZ extension contain TAR resources, packed in the lossless xz compression format. TAR.XZ files usually store software installation versions and user data.

What are TAR.XZ files used for?

You can merge many different documents and folders even from separate disk locations into files with the TAR.XZ extension, thus keeping your resources in order. Using high-level xz compression also saves disk space for documents. This is especially noticeable when compressing text resources, BMP images or uncompressed audio data into TAR.XZ files. In the case of multimedia files that are already pre-compressed by audio and video codecs, the saving of disk space is less noticeable, but you can combine, for example, a movie with subtitles in one file with the extension TAR.XZ.

Can I create my own TAR.XZ files?

In Unix systems, files with the TAR.XZ extension can be created even from the command line by adding appropriate parameters to the command that control the operation of the archiver (e.g. indicate files to be compressed, name the archive, etc.). In Windows systems, dedicated software should be used to create files with the TAR.XZ extension. Of course, TAR.XZ files created in e.g. Linux can be successfully opened by an appropriate application running a Microsoft system and vice versa.

Programs which support TAR.XZ file extension

TAR.XZ files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 03/25/2024

How to open file with TAR.XZ extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening TAR.XZ files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with TAR.XZ extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install 7-Zip software

Problems with opening and working with TAR.XZ files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with TAR.XZ files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing 7-Zip or different compatible program, such as XZ Utils. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support TAR.XZ files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit 7-Zip website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of 7-Zip

If the problems with opening TAR.XZ files still occur even after installing 7-Zip, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of 7-Zip is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of 7-Zip installed, it may not support TAR.XZ format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using 7-Zip.

Step 3. Associate XZ Compressed Tar Archive files with 7-Zip

After installing 7-Zip (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open TAR.XZ files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Choose the Open with entry from the file menu accessed by right-mouse clicking on the TAR.XZ file
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the 7-Zip installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open TAR.XZ files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the TAR.XZ file and select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with TAR.XZ extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the TAR.XZ file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the TAR.XZ file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the TAR.XZ in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the TAR.XZ is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Scan the TAR.XZ file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the TAR.XZ file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

If the TAR.XZ file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with TAR.XZ extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the XZ Compressed Tar Archive file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run 7-Zip

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support TAR.XZ files. Close all running programs and try opening the TAR.XZ file.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with XZ Compressed Tar Archive files. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with TAR.XZ files affecting older versions of given software.

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