Windows gzip file equivalent in Linux
Creates a .gz file while optionally keeping the original.
gzip file
gzip -k file
gzip -k file
gzip -k file
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "gzip file" is used to compress with gzip. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "gzip -k file". Creates a .gz file while optionally keeping the original. This reference is grouped under File Management → Archives & Compression.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name gzip is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Compress with gzip
Creates a .gz file while optionally keeping the original.
gzip -k file
Compress with gzip
gzip --help
Show command help when supported
man gzip
Open the manual page when installed
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
gzip -k file
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
# Windows equivalent: gzip file
gzip -k fileReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
gzip -k file | Compress with gzip |
gzip --help | Show command help when supported |
man gzip | Open the manual page when installed |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "gzip -k file" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | gzip -k file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | gzip -k file |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | gzip -k file |
Same command on this distribution. |
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