Tar and curl are among the most common open-source tools for developers and advanced users running Linux, and now they are natively available on Windows 10.
If you’re unfamiliar tar allows users to extract files and create archives, while curl is a tool to transfer files between servers.
This means that you no longer need to install the Windows Subsystem for Linux to extract “.tar.gz” or “.zip” compressed files (like previouly needed), and you’ll be able to perform file transfers with a familiar command line tool. The best part is that the tools are included with Windows 10 by default, so there are no extra steps to get started.
To start using tar, simply open a Command Prompt console, and type tar -help to see the available options. In the same way, you can type curl -help to see the available options to start using curl.
If tar and curl are not available on your device, it’s likely because you’re now running Windows 10 (Redstone 4) expected to roll out in 2018. These tools are included starting with Windows 10 build 17063 and later.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert and founder of Pureinfotech (est. 2010). With over 21 years as a technology writer and IT Specialist, Mauro specializes in Windows, software, and cross-platform systems such as Linux, Android, and macOS.
Certifications: Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), VMware Certified Professional (VCP), and CompTIA A+ and Network+.
Mauro is a recognized Microsoft MVP and has also been a long-time contributor to Windows Central.
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