How do I unzip or extract files from a zip folder?
You'll be able to: Extract all compressed files from a zip archive into a normal folder
- Risk
- Safe to try
- Windows
- Windows 11 · Windows 10
Filed under Files & folders
The steps
- 1
Find the zip file you downloaded (the folder icon has a small zipper on it) and right-click on it. A grey menu opens beside the file.
Right-clicking on a zip file showing the context menu with Extract All.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
Why do files come in zip format?
Files are often zipped to make their download size smaller or to package dozens of documents into a single download. However, programs cannot open or run reliably while locked inside a compressed archive — you must extract them into a real folder first.
- 2
Click Extract All.... A window opens asking where you want to place the extracted files, with a folder path already filled in.
- 3
Leave the box checked for Show extracted files when complete and click Extract. A progress bar moves across the screen, then a new normal folder opens displaying all your unzipped files ready to use.
The Extract Compressed Folders window with the Extract button.
Screenshot on the way. The steps above are complete without it.
It looks different on my screen
If you have an archive tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR installed on your computer, the right-click menu may display 7-Zip or an icon of colored books with the option Extract Here. Clicking that extracts your files directly into the current folder.
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