GCH File Extension

C++ Precompiled Header

File Type gch
Developer The GNU Project
Popularity
4.2 (40 votes)
Application Borland C++
Category Developer Files
Format Text

What is a GCH file?

Files with the GCH extension are specifically tied to C++ Precompiled Header, a Developer Files type, and there are 1166 files in this category.

The C++ Precompiled Header (GCH) was created by GNU Project, a company that developed file format and produced 7 programs for their use.

GCH files are supported by Windows. If you need to open a GCH file, you can use one of 4 programs, such as Borland C++, Code::Blocks and C++ Builder.

Programs that support GCH files

Windows ⁴

Windows

How to open a GCH file?

If you’re having difficulty opening a GCH file, it is often due to not having the correct software. To solve the problem, choose a compatible program from the list. Then follow the link to the official developer site, download the software, and install it on your device.

Borland C++, Code::Blocks and C++ Builder stand out as the preferred programs to manage GCH files effectively. To install the latest version of Borland C++ on your computer, visit the Micro Focus website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.

After installation, your operating system should automatically open GCH files with Borland C++.

Set Borland C++ as the default GCH handler

Choose an app to open a file on Mac

Right click or use Control + left click on the desired GCH file to launch the file options menu;
Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
In this menu, select "All Programs", then find Borland C++ and check the box next to "Always open in the application."

Set default programs for Windows

Start by right-clicking on your GCH file, then select "Open With" and continue by clicking "Choose another app" from the options provided;
In the pop-up window, find and select the Borland C++ application from the available options;
Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening GCH files.

Effective solutions for GCH file problems

There are some common issues with GCH files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.

What are the methods to detect if my GCH file has been corrupted?

GCH developer files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

An unexplained increase in the size of the GCH file;
Trying to work with the archive in Borland C++ or other programs causes instability or program crashes;
The file does not open correctly or displays error messages;
While working with the file, error alerts are encountered;
The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in Borland C++;

Why does Borland C++ crash?

Insufficient software updates can contribute to Borland C++ crash. To avoid this, make sure that you have installed the latest updates for Micro Focus products.

Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.

How to repair a corrupted GCH file?

Open the damaged GCH file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item to start the repair operation. Please wait patiently for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically repair the damaged developer files.

How to edit a GCH file?

To make changes to GCH files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the developer files. Online GCH editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for C++ Precompiled Header.

Best GCH editors 2026

Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available GCH editors.

GCH Editor Software	Developer	Platforms	Overall Rating
Borland C++	Micro Focus	Windows	4.2 out of 5 (42 reviews)
Code::Blocks	Code::Blocks	Windows	4.2 out of 5 (39 reviews)
Visual C++	Microsoft	Windows	4.2 out of 5 (43 reviews)
C++ Builder	Embarcadero	Windows	4.1 out of 5 (33 reviews)

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