How to open a .dmg file (Windows, Mac, Linux)

Q: Why can't I open my .dmg file?

Usually your computer lacks an app that understands DMG. Install one of the apps listed here, or convert the file to a more common format.

A .dmg file is a Apple Disk Image. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads DMG yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.

Open a .dmg file step by step

Confirm the file really is a .dmg. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
On Windows, open it with 7-Zip (partial) or not natively supported.
On Mac, use double-click to mount or Disk Utility.
On Linux, try 7-Zip (partial) or dmg2img.
Still stuck? Convert the .dmg to Mount and install, which opens more widely.

Best apps to open .dmg files

Windows

7-Zip (partial)
not natively supported

macOS

double-click to mount
Disk Utility

Linux

7-Zip (partial)
dmg2img

Web

Not applicable

Before you open it: The image is safe to mount, but only install apps from DMGs you downloaded from the developer or a trusted source.

Frequently asked questions

Why can't I open my .dmg file?

Almost always because no installed app understands DMG. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.

How do I install an app from a DMG?

Double-click the DMG to mount it, then drag the app icon into your Applications folder. Eject the image when done.

How do I open a DMG file on Windows?

You can peek inside many DMGs with 7-Zip, but a DMG almost always holds a Mac application that will not run on Windows. If you were after a Windows program, look on the vendor's site for a Windows (.exe or .msi) download instead.