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How to Fix ZIP Files Opening in Word Instead of File Explorer
Question details
The user needs to restore the default system behavior so that ZIP files open correctly in File Explorer for extraction, rather than triggering a Microsoft Word error.
- Product
- Microsoft Word
- Device & OS
- Windows
- Scenario
- Downloading multiple email attachments at once from Gmail generates a ZIP file archive that the user wants to extract.
- Observed behavior
- Double-clicking the downloaded ZIP file unexpectedly launches Microsoft Word and displays an error message instead of opening the archive in Windows File Explorer.
Ensure you know the exact folder location where your browser saves downloaded ZIP files, typically the default Windows Downloads folder, so you can easily locate the file to modify its settings.
Restore File Association via the Open With Menu
The fastest way to resolve this issue is to manually reassign File Explorer as the default application for ZIP archives using the right-click context menu.
Sometimes, file extensions can accidentally be reassigned to the wrong application during updates or by a single misclick. Reassigning the .zip extension back to File Explorer will immediately resolve the Word error.
Open Windows File Explorer and navigate to your Downloads folder to find the downloaded Gmail attachment ZIP file.
Right-click the ZIP file, hover your mouse over 'Open with', and then click on 'Choose another app' from the extended menu.
In the pop-up window, select 'File Explorer' from the list of available applications.
Check the box at the bottom that says 'Always use this app to open .zip files' and click 'OK'. You can now right-click the file and select 'Extract All' to access your attachments.
Fix File Association in Windows Settings
If the context menu option does not permanently apply the fix, you can force the correct file association globally through Windows default app settings.
Perform a Quick Repair of Microsoft Office
If an underlying Office update bug corrupted your system's file associations, repairing your Office installation will restore normal functionality.
Experience a Bug-Free Office Environment with WPS Office
Tired of software updates causing frustrating errors like Word hijacking your ZIP files? Switch to WPS Office, a highly compatible, lightweight, and completely free alternative to Microsoft Office that respects your system settings.
- 1. Download the Installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and download the free installation package for your Windows PC.
- 2. Run the Setup: Double-click the downloaded installer and follow the simple on-screen instructions to set up the software.
- 3. Open Your Documents: Launch WPS Office and instantly open your existing Word documents, spreadsheets, and presentations with perfect format retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Microsoft Word suddenly start opening my ZIP files?
This commonly occurs either due to a buggy Microsoft Office update that unintentionally rewrites system file associations, or if a user accidentally selects Word from the 'Open with' menu while the 'Always use this app' checkbox is ticked.
Will changing the default app back to File Explorer delete my extracted files?
No. Modifying file associations only tells Windows which software program it should use to view a specific file type. Your downloaded attachments and original archives will remain perfectly safe and unmodified.
What should I do if File Explorer is missing from the Open with menu?
If File Explorer isn't listed, scroll to the bottom of the 'Open with' window and click 'More apps' or 'Look for another app on this PC.' You can then manually browse to your C:\Windows folder and select the 'explorer.exe' application.
