How to Untar in Windows

By Kristen Waters

Tar is an archive file type used mainly on the Linux and Unix operating systems. Like all archive file types, it combines multiple files into a single file. The tar format is used to store files on a hard drive or to transfer files over a network. Some software developers use the tar format to hold program files that are downloaded from the Internet. You can "untar," or extract, a tar file on the Windows operating system using the PeaZip, 7zip or WinZip software programs.

PeaZip

Download and install the PeaZip software.

Open the PeaZip program.

Navigate to the directory that contains the ".tar" file in the file tree on the left side of the screen.

Click on the ".tar" file in the list in the main frame of the screen.

Click on the "Extract" button at the top of the screen to untar the file.

7Zip

Download and install the 7zip software.

Open the 7zip program.

Click on the directory that contains the ".tar" file in the file browser located in the main window.

Click on the ".tar" file in the file browser.

Click the "Extract" button at the top of the screen to untar the file.

WinZip

Download and install the WinZip software.

Open the WinZip program.

Navigate to the ".tar" file in the file browser in the main window.

Click on the "Unzip" button at the top of the page to untar the file.

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