DMG files are Mac disk images and Windows cannot mount them natively. Microsoft lists only ISO, VHD and VHDX for its mount command. 7-Zip documentation lists DMG among the formats it can unpack. You can also convert the image on a Mac with Disk Utility. Extracted Mac applications do not work on Windows.
Your coworker sends a DMG file and your Windows PC shows a blank icon. Windows has no built in way to open the data inside.
This guide follows vendor documentation and keeps the steps short.
What is a DMG File?
DMG is a disk image format from macOS. Apple Disk Utility creates, converts, resizes and restores disk images on a Mac. See Disk Utility documentation.
Why can Windows Not Mount a DMG File?
Microsoft documents the Mount-DiskImage command for ISO, VHD, VHDX and VHDSet images. DMG does not appear in that list. See Mount-DiskImage.
How do You Open a DMG File With 7-Zip?
7-Zip lists DMG under unpack only formats on its home page. 7-Zip extracts the files and cannot create a DMG. See 7-Zip.
- Install 7-Zip on your Windows PC.
- Right click the DMG file.
- Open it with 7-Zip and browse the contents.
- Extract the files you need to a folder.
Documents and images open on Windows after extraction. Mac application bundles are built for macOS so they do not work on Windows.
Can You Convert the DMG on a Mac?
Yes. Disk Utility on a Mac converts a disk image to another format. Use a Mac when the DMG needs a different format or when extraction fails.
What should You Check Before You Open a DMG File?
- Source. Open images only from senders you know.
- Contents. Extract to a new folder and review the files first.
- Purpose. DMG files with a Mac installer have no use on Windows.
For a native Windows image format see how to create a VHD in Windows. For space problems after extraction see how to free up disk space in Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DMG File?
DMG is a macOS disk image format that can store files and folders.
Can Windows Open a DMG File?
Not natively. Microsoft lists ISO, VHD and VHDX for its mount command and 7-Zip can unpack DMG files.
Can 7-Zip Create a DMG File?
No. 7-Zip lists DMG under unpack only formats.
Will a Mac App Work on Windows After Extraction?
No. Mac application bundles are built for macOS.
How do I Convert a DMG File?
Use Disk Utility on a Mac to convert the disk image to another format.
Key Takeaways
- DMG is a Mac disk image format.
- Windows has no native mount for DMG files.
- 7-Zip extracts DMG files but cannot create them.
- Disk Utility converts disk images on a Mac.
- Mac applications do not work on Windows.
Sources and References
Facts follow vendor documentation. Extraction behavior for Mac application bundles is stated as general knowledge.
- 7-Zip home page www.7-zip.org
- Mount-DiskImage (Microsoft Learn) learn.microsoft.com
- Disk Utility user guide (Apple Support) support.apple.com