How to Unzip IMG Files in Windows and macOS

Anyone who has ever burned a disc is probably familiar with most disk image file formats. IMG is one of them and they are commonly used to compress programs, such as operating systems, software or video games.

What is an IMG file?

Files with the .img extension are typically bitmap files that contain image data. The image contained in an IMG file can be a graphic bitmap or a disk image. IMG files contain the specific contents of a drive, so they are compatible with specific programs that are suited to detecting their file system.

When an IMG file contains a disk image, it can be used to play the media content on the disc on your computer without needing a physical copy of the disc, just like an ISO file. For example, an IMG file can allow you to play a game on your computer without having the actual game disc on your hard drive when you play it.

During the years when floppy disks were used for data storage and management, these files were developed to access raw images of disk drives. Many programs have come into existence using IMG files. They are created by disk imaging programs. In Windows operating system programs, a software writer is used to process these files.

The role of IMG files

IMG files can serve as an extremely useful backup medium, especially if you fear that the original might one day become corrupted, and in many ways they are similar to popular file formats like ISO or BIN.

Finally, you can also use the IMG file as a mountable disk image, which is extremely useful if you have an ultra-thin laptop that doesn't come with a built-in optical drive.

However, there will be times when you don't want to mount the file but just want to unzip it to view the file's contents.

If so, consider this step-by-step guide to help you achieve this quickly and easily.

Unzip IMG files on Windows using third-party unzip tools

Whenever dealing with compressed file formats or disk images, the first thought is automatically to go to the decompression tool.

While Windows 10 is capable of mounting IMG image files, it cannot unpack them, so third-party tools are your only option.

The article recommends you to try WinZip as it is one of the best programs of its kind in the world.

What makes this program especially useful is its ability to handle popular file formats. This means that WinZip can not only unpack IMG files, but can also handle quite a few other image and archive file formats.

Here's how you can use WinZip to extract IMG files easily:

1. Download and install WinZip .

2. Click Start , type winzip and launch WinZip when it appears in the results

3. Go to File and select Open.

How to Unzip IMG Files in Windows and macOS
Go to File and select Open

4. Double-click the IMG file. You need to set up your system to associate the IMG file format with WinZip for this feature to work.

How to Unzip IMG Files in Windows and macOS
Double click on the IMG file

5. Select the files in the IMG image you want to extract or press Ctrl + A to select all.

6. Select the location where you want to extract the data and click Unzip.

7. Wait for WinZip to complete the extraction process.

Now that you have successfully extracted the contents of the IMG file, all you need to do is go to the extraction location and check if everything is okay.

Note : While there are other third-party tools that can unzip IMG files, we recommend using WinZip because of its fast unzipping speed and the wide variety of file formats it supports.

Unzip IMG files on Mac

Mount disk image

  1. Open Finder.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the IMG file.
  3. Double-click the IMG file to mount it as a virtual hard drive.
  4. Drag the content from the IMG file to the desired location.
  5. Unmount IMG file

By following these steps, you can easily extract the contents of an IMG file on your Mac.

Please share your method of extracting IMG files in the comments section below. Good luck!

See also:

Leave a Comment

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft details Bluetooth LE Audio requirements and support for Windows 11, 10

Microsoft introduced Bluetooth LE (low energy) Audio support with Windows 11 22H2 KB5026446 (build 22621.1778), also known as Moment 3, in May 2023.

How to Change the Default User Account Avatar in Windows

How to Change the Default User Account Avatar in Windows

Changing your avatar on Windows 10 to your own photo, or a completely new style, will help you distinguish between user accounts on your computer.

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

Windows 11 Market Share Is Quickly Catching Up to Windows 10

The October 2024 report provides an overview of Windows 11's market share compared to other versions of Windows.

How to enable or disable Secure Sign-In on Windows 10, Windows 11

How to enable or disable Secure Sign-In on Windows 10, Windows 11

Windows is the most targeted operating system by hackers. Therefore, you should strengthen your PC's defenses to stay safe both online and offline. This article will guide you on how to enable or disable Secure Sign-In in Windows 10.

How to add a printer to Windows 10

How to add a printer to Windows 10

Adding a printer to Windows 10 is simple, although the process for wired devices will be different than for wireless devices.

The methods and customizations in this article will help speed up your Windows 10 like the wind.

The methods and customizations in this article will help speed up your Windows 10 like the wind.

Do you want to speed up Windows 10, improve Windows 10 speed or speed up Windows 10 startup? All ways to speed up Windows 10 are in this article, please read and apply to make your Windows 10 computer run faster!

15 Diagnostic Tools to Check the Health of Your Windows PC

15 Diagnostic Tools to Check the Health of Your Windows PC

Whether you're new to Windows or a veteran, your system will eventually run into problems that aren't easy to diagnose. Before calling tech support, there are a number of PC diagnostic tools you can try.

How to Use Clipboard History in Windows 10

How to Use Clipboard History in Windows 10

Windows clipboard history got a major overhaul with the Windows 10 October update.

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft is bringing annoying Windows 11 Start menu ads to Windows 10

Microsoft continues to announce plans to add new features to Windows 10, despite the fact that the operating system will inevitably die in October 2025.

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Why do so many people downgrade from Windows 11 to Windows 10?

Although Microsoft promotes Windows 11 as the future of computing, many people have recently downgraded to Windows 10 on their main PCs. Here's why it might actually be worth it to go back to an older operating system.

How to install free HEVC codecs on Windows 10 (for H.265 video)

How to install free HEVC codecs on Windows 10 (for H.265 video)

Microsoft charges for its official codecs and doesn't include them in Windows 10. However, you can get them for free without pulling out your credit card and spending $0.99.

How to hide the Taskbar on Windows 10 extremely easy

How to hide the Taskbar on Windows 10 extremely easy

When you move the mouse to the Taskbar, it displays all the functions as default when you have not set it up, but if you move the mouse elsewhere, the Taskbar will automatically hide.

How to download and update Bluetooth driver for Windows 10

How to download and update Bluetooth driver for Windows 10

Bluetooth makes our life smarter and more convenient, to avoid possible Bluetooth problems in Windows 10, such as Bluetooth not available, users should download and update Bluetooth driver for Windows 10 regularly.

How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10

How to Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10

If you miss the familiar look and feel of Windows 10, you can restore the Start menu, taskbar, and other familiar elements with a few simple tweaks.

6 Ways to Open Computer/System Properties in Windows 10

6 Ways to Open Computer/System Properties in Windows 10

You can use one of the following 6 methods to open Computer Properties (or System Properties) on Windows 10.

Solving Microsoft Teams Network Error on Public Wi-Fi

Solving Microsoft Teams Network Error on Public Wi-Fi

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Network Error" on public Wi-Fi? Get instant fixes like VPN tweaks, port checks, and cache clears to restore calls and meetings seamlessly. Step-by-step guide for quick relief.

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Wheres My Team Search Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Wheres My Team Search Error

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams "Where\

Microsoft Teams for Students: How to Join Classes in 2026

Microsoft Teams for Students: How to Join Classes in 2026

Unlock seamless learning with Microsoft Teams for Students! Step-by-step guide to joining classes in 2026, troubleshooting tips, and pro hacks for ultimate success. Perfect for students everywhere.

Solving Microsoft Teams License Error 0x80048504

Solving Microsoft Teams License Error 0x80048504

Tired of Microsoft Teams License Error 0x80048504 blocking your meetings? Get instant fixes with proven steps to resolve it permanently. Clear cache, reset licenses, and more – works every time!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Remove Account Error

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Remove Account Error

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Remove Account" error? Discover step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly. Clear cache, reset app, and more for seamless account management in the latest Teams version.

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Working with Teams Error

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Not Working with Teams Error

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Edge "Not Working with Teams" error? Discover step-by-step fixes to get Microsoft Teams running smoothly in Edge. Quick, reliable solutions for seamless collaboration.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Microsoft Error on Teams

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Microsoft Error on Teams

Tired of "Microsoft Error" crashing your Microsoft Teams? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting for Microsoft Teams errors, from cache clearing to advanced fixes. Get back to seamless collaboration today!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Meeting Error 2026

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Meeting Error 2026

Stuck with Microsoft Teams Meeting Error 2026? Follow our proven troubleshooting Microsoft Teams "Meeting Error" 2026 steps for instant fixes. Get back to smooth meetings fast with the latest solutions.

Solving Microsoft Teams Installing Error on Windows Server

Solving Microsoft Teams Installing Error on Windows Server

Struggling with Microsoft Teams "Installing Error" on Windows Server? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes including MSI deployment, cache clearing, and PowerShell tweaks to resolve issues fast and get Teams running smoothly. Updated with latest methods.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Voice and VOIP Errors

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams Voice and VOIP Errors

Struggling with Microsoft Teams voice issues? Master troubleshooting Microsoft Teams voice and VOIP errors like no audio, echo, or choppy calls. Proven fixes for crystal-clear communication in Teams.

Fixing Microsoft Teams Download Failed Due to Unexpected Error

Fixing Microsoft Teams Download Failed Due to Unexpected Error

Tired of the frustrating Microsoft Teams download failed due to unexpected error? Discover quick, step-by-step fixes to resolve it fast and download Teams smoothly on Windows, Mac, or web. No tech skills needed!

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Network Error: Check Your Connection

How to Fix Microsoft Teams Network Error: Check Your Connection

Struggling with Microsoft Teams network error: Check Your Connection? Discover proven step-by-step fixes to restore seamless video calls, chats, and meetings. Quick troubleshooting for instant results.

Solving Microsoft Teams Video Error: Black Screen in Meetings

Solving Microsoft Teams Video Error: Black Screen in Meetings

Tired of Microsoft Teams black screen in meetings? Get proven, step-by-step solutions to solve the video error instantly. From quick fixes to advanced tweaks—regain seamless video calls today!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams DLL Error Missing File

Troubleshooting Microsoft Teams DLL Error Missing File

Tired of Microsoft Teams crashing with DLL Error? Discover proven troubleshooting steps for missing DLL files like VCRUNTIME140.dll. Get Teams running smoothly in minutes—no tech skills needed!

Microsoft Teams vs Zoom: Comparing Features for Webinars

Microsoft Teams vs Zoom: Comparing Features for Webinars

Discover Microsoft Teams vs Zoom webinar features head-to-head: capacity, interactivity, security, pricing & more. Find the best platform for your next big webinar in this detailed comparison.