Most Mac applications recently are developed and downloaded as PKG or DMG files. While Windows users may have no idea what a .dmg file is, if you are using a MacBook, it is quite common to see some of your downloaded files carrying the .dmg extension.
But then, what most MacOS users do is just install the app and leave the .dmg file there taking up their disk space.
If you are here – reading this, I bet it’s because you want to know what exactly that .dmg file you have been seeing is or if it is okay to delete .dmg files on Mac or Windows computers. Not to worry, we’ve got all you need to know about .dmg files right here. Keep reading!
Can I Delete .Dmg Files On Mac?
Yes, you can delete .dmg files on Mac. First, copy the .dmg file to your Applications folder and install the app. Once you can run the app successfully, you can then delete the .dmg file.
Keep reading to see how to delete a .dmg file after installing your application.
Can I Delete .Dmg Files On Windows?
Yes, you can delete .dmg files on Windows.
What Is A .Dmg File On Mac?
On Mac, a .dmg file (that is, a file carrying the .dmg extension) is an Apple disk image file, which is also called a MacOS X Disk Image file. It is a representation of a physical disc, albeit, in a virtual form. DMG stores compressed software installers, thereby, allowing MacOS users to download and install files and software from the internet. You’ll come across .dmg files mostly when downloading MacOS software from the internet.
DMG file format supports file compression (which helps to reduce installer size), spanning, and encryption and some of them may be password protected. They are popular because they include a tool called “checksum”, which is just like a tamper-proof that confirms that the downloaded file is 100% intact.
What Is A .Dmg File On Windows?
DMG files were created by Apple specifically for their Mac operating system devices, hence, they are solely Mac files. In Windows, .dmg files are equivalent to ISO files.
Despite their being Mac files, you can also open .dmg files in Windows. However, to do that, you must use third-party apps like 7-zip as Windows does not have a native tool to manage .dmg files.
Do I Need .Dmg On My Mac?
No, you don’t need to keep a .dmg on your Mac, as long as you have successfully installed the application and it is running perfectly. The application is now in your “Applications folder” and you can now delete the .dmg file since you no longer need it on your Mac.
Can I Use .Dmg Files In Windows?
There is really no reason why you would want to use .dmg files in Windows since they are specifically developed for macOS and not Windows. Nevertheless, if you need to use one, you can open .dmg files in Windows using third-party apps like 7-zip as Windows does not have a native tool to manage .dmg files.
Is .Dmg File Safe?
A .dmg file may or may not be safe, depending on its content. A .dmg file may contain malware, hence, it is recommended that you only download from a trusted source, whenever you are downloading from the internet.
Can I Delete .Dmg Files After Installation?
Yes, you can delete .dmg files after installation, after all, they are just container folders for the software you want to install on your computer. The function of a .dmg file is mainly to make sure that the software or app was downloaded properly without it being tampered with.
This, it does, by the aid of a tool called “checksum”, which verifies that the file has not been tampered with. Once you have copied the .dmg file to your Applications folder and successfully installed the app, the .dmg itself is no longer required and can be safely deleted.
However, if you don’t mind the disk space a .dmg file takes up, you may want to keep it for any of these reasons:
- Incomplete installation: Some people may decide to keep a .dmg file because they run downloaded apps directly out of a .dmg without installing the app drag and drop.
- Backup: You may want to keep a .dmg file just as a backup in case the downloaded app or software becomes unavailable for any reason or you need to reinstall the app or software on a new Mac.
Read also: How to Create an INI File on Windows, Mac, and Android
How Do I Delete A .Dmg File?
If at any time you decide to delete your .dmg files after installation, you need to make sure you have ejected it first. Then, locate the .dmg file and right-click, select “eject”. Next, open the finder window and search for the .dmg file. Once you can locate it, send it to the “trash”. Be sure to empty your trash afterward.
Well, there you have it! Not only do you now know what a .dmg file is, but you also now know that you can delete .dmg files after installing a new app and we’ve shown you exactly how to do that. And with just a few clicks, you will be able to free up more disk space on your MacBook.
If you have any other concerns regarding .dmg files, kindly let us know in the comments below, we’d love to help.
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John follows everything happening in the tech industry, from the latest gadget launches to some of the big-name moves in the industry. He covers opinionated pieces and writes on some of the biggest names in the industry. John is also a freelance writer, so he shares articles on freelancing every now and then. email: john@tekpip.com Learn more about tekpip and the team here on our about us page.