How to Unzip a File on Windows: Step-by-Step Methods
Preface
ZIP files are everywhere, whether you're downloading resources from a website, receiving documents over email, or backing up data, ZIPs help keep things compact and organized. Still, many users get stuck trying to open or extract them and especially when large file sizes, encryption, or unfamiliar formats come into play. I’ve been there myself, wondering how to unzip a file on Windows without messing anything up or downloading a sketchy app.
So in this guide, I’ll walk you through a couple of methods to extract ZIP files on Windows, starting with the built-in File Explorer and then looking at free tools like 7-Zip. I’ll also show how to open your unzipped documents easily with WPS Office.
How to Unzip a File on Windows Using File Explorer
Windows already has a built-in unzip tool that most people overlook. It’s part of File Explorer, so you don’t need to install anything. This method is perfect when you’re dealing with standard ZIP archives, like school projects, office files, or bundles downloaded from the internet. If you're looking for a quick way to extract ZIP files on Windows without third-party software, this is the most straightforward option.
Before we begin, make sure you know where your ZIP file is saved. Downloads, Desktop, or Documents are common folders. The following steps will help you extract ZIP files on Windows quickly and easily. These zips will guide you how to unzip a file without needing extra tools or software.
Step 1: Firstly, open File Explorer by pressing Windows key and “E” key on your keyboard and navigate to where your ZIP file is stored. It will usually have a “.zip” extension and a zipper on the folder icon.
Click Windows + E keys to access File explorer
Step 2: Then right-click the ZIP file, and as the dropdown menu appears. Choose "Extract All…" from this menu. You’ll see a new window pop up with extraction options.
Alt text: Extract all content from file
Step 3: Then, by default, Windows will suggest a folder with the same name as your ZIP file. You can click "Browse" to pick another location if you prefer to save it elsewhere.
Step 4: Once the location is set, click “Extract.” Windows will begin unpacking the contents. This can take a few seconds or a couple of minutes depending on the file size.
Click on Extract to save in Folder
The reason why it works in the majority of the cases is that File Explorer is the fastest way to extract ZIP files on Windows without adding any extra software. If you're wondering how to open ZIP files on Windows efficiently, this built-in method is your go-to. It’s reliable for typical ZIP archives and works well even with multi-file bundles or large files, although very large or encrypted ZIPs might lag or trigger errors.
In my experience, File Explorer handles most ZIP files smoothly, even those over 1 GB. However, if you’re trying to extract password-protected or uncommon formats like .rar, you’ll probably need to switch to dedicated software.
How to Unzip a File on Windows Using Free Software (7-Zip or WinRAR)
If File Explorer fails to extract the archive, or you're working with formats like “.7z”, “.rar”, or encrypted ZIP files, then it’s time to bring in the heavy lifters: 7-Zip and WinRAR. While the built-in unzip tool Windows provides is great for basic ZIP files, it sometimes struggles with complex or large archives.
That’s why I recommend 7-Zip, it’s open-source, super lightweight, and handles a wide range of formats with ease. Here’s how you can extract ZIP files on Windows using 7-Zip:
Step 1: First go to the official website of 7-zip.org on your browser and download the version that matches your system (32-bit or 64-bit). Installation is quick and just follow the prompts after accessing it through the “Downloads” folder on top right of your chrome screen.
click Download link
Step 2: Once installed, 7-Zip integrates into your right-click context menu. Locate your ZIP file and then right-click it.
Step 3: Then from the context menu, hover over “7-Zip” and choose "Extract Here" if you want the files to appear in the same folder, or "Extract to ‘filename’" to create a new subfolder.
Extract files to folder using 7zip
Step 4: The files will be extracted instantly. You’ll find them in your chosen directory, ready to be used or opened.
7-Zip supports a wide range of archive formats, not just ZIP. It's faster than File Explorer for large files, and it handles encrypted archives without freezing. Plus, if a ZIP file is giving you trouble in Windows, 7-Zip usually fixes the issue.
When I dealt with a 5GB encrypted archive last month, File Explorer couldn't even open it. 7-Zip, on the other hand, extracted it within minutes and even prompted me for the password securely. It’s a life-saver in situations like these.
Open Unzipped Files and Documents Easily with WPS Office
Now that your ZIP files are extracted, you’re probably staring at a mix of DOCX files, PDFs, Excel sheets, or slides. Instead of juggling between multiple apps, try WPS Office; it’s a sleek, all-in-one suite that opens everything in one place. With built-in AI tools, smooth offline access, and a lightweight design that won’t slow your PC down, it’s honestly a smarter alternative to Microsoft Office.
WPS Office files interface
You can edit, annotate, and even summarize documents directly inside the app, no extra extensions needed. Plus, its cross-device sync makes it super convenient to switch between desktop and mobile. Here’s how WPS Office can make managing unzipped files easier by making it your perfect companion After You Unzip Files on Windows:
Open DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF files in seconds
No lag, no loading screens and ust clean, you can have fast access to all your unzipped content, whether it's academic notes or office reports.
Use WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, and Presentation to edit extracted content
You can easily edit Word docs, calculate Excel files, and fine-tune slides without needing Microsoft Office. It’s fully compatible with all file formats.
Annotate or summarize files with WPS AI
I’ve used this feature to generate quick summaries of long PDFs and notes. Perfect if you’re reviewing unzipped eBooks or research material.
Works offline—great for zipped files from USB drives or emails
Even without the internet, WPS Office runs flawlessly. So if you’re transferring files between systems or working off a USB, you’re covered.
I once unzipped a folder with over 20 academic papers. Instead of opening them one by one in different apps, I opened them all in the WPS Office. Editing, highlighting, and sharing the content became so much easier.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need third-party software to unzip files on Windows?
No. You can use File Explorer to extract zip files on Windows. But for formats like RAR or encrypted archives, 7-Zip or WinRAR can help.
Q2: Why can’t I unzip a file on Windows?
The ZIP file might be corrupted or use an unsupported format. Try opening it with 7-Zip or redownloading the archive.
Q3: Can I unzip multiple files at once?
Yes. Select multiple ZIP files, right-click, and choose “Extract All” for each. You can also use batch features in 7-Zip.
Q4: Is there a way to unzip on Windows using the command line?
Yes. Open PowerShell and use tar -xf filename.zip. It’s a handy trick if you prefer working in terminal environments.
Summary
Learning how to unzip a file on Windows doesn’t have to be confusing. You can extract zip files on Windows easily using File Explorer, it’s fast, reliable, and built into your system. But if you’re dealing with unusual file formats or large encrypted archives, tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR are worth installing. Once your files are extracted, WPS Office helps you open and edit them without switching between apps. Stay organized, work efficiently, and don’t stress over zipped folders again. I hope this guide made it easy for you to open zip files on Windows with confidence.
