How to Open and Extract DMG Files with 7-Zip

7-Zip is fully capable of opening and extracting files from macOS DMG (Apple Disk Image) files on Windows. This article explains how 7-Zip handles the DMG format, outlines the step-by-step process to extract the contents, and highlights important limitations regarding encrypted or modern Apple file systems.

Does 7-Zip Support DMG Files?

Yes, 7-Zip includes native, built-in support for unpacking DMG files. You do not need to install additional plugins or third-party conversion software to read the data inside most standard macOS disk images.

However, 7-Zip's support is strictly read-only. While you can open the archive, browse its contents, and extract files to your local drive, you cannot use 7-Zip to modify an existing DMG or create a new DMG file from scratch.

How to Extract a DMG File Using 7-Zip

Extracting files from a DMG image on Windows takes only a few steps:

  1. Locate the File: Find the .dmg file you want to open in Windows File Explorer.
  2. Open the Context Menu: Right-click the .dmg file.
  3. Select 7-Zip: Hover over 7-Zip in the pop-up menu.
  4. Choose an Extraction Option:
    • Click Open archive if you want to preview the files inside a graphical window before extracting.
    • Click Extract files... to select a specific destination folder.
    • Click Extract to "[Folder Name]" to immediately extract everything into a new folder with the same name as the DMG file.

Once extracted, you can access the unpacked files directly like any other folder in Windows. Note that macOS applications (files ending in .app) are compiled for macOS and will not run on Windows without specialized emulation or virtualization environments.

Limitations to Consider

While 7-Zip handles standard DMG files reliably, there are a few scenarios where it may encounter errors:

  • Encrypted Images: 7-Zip cannot decrypt password-protected DMG files. If an image is encrypted with Apple's native encryption, 7-Zip will display an error or fail to open the file.
  • APFS File System: Older versions of 7-Zip struggle with DMGs formatted using Apple's newer APFS (Apple File System). Ensure you are running the latest version of 7-Zip to maximize compatibility with modern disk images.
  • Multi-Part or Corrupt DMGs: Segmented DMGs or damaged downloads cannot be unpacked correctly unless repaired or joined properly.