To extract files on Windows 11, right-click the ZIP file in File Explorer and choose Extract All, pick a destination folder, and click Extract. You can also double-click the ZIP to open it and drag files out, or click Extract all on the File Explorer command bar. Recent versions of Windows 11 can also open RAR, 7z, TAR, and GZ archives without extra software; on older versions, use a free tool like 7-Zip.
This guide covers every built-in way to extract files, supported formats, extracting with PowerShell or Command Prompt, password-protected archives, and fixes for common errors.
Method 1: Extract All
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and find the compressed file.
- Right-click it and choose Extract All.
- Keep the suggested folder or click Browse to choose another.
- Leave Show extracted files when complete checked if you want the folder to open.
- Click Extract.
Method 2: Open the archive and drag files out
- Double-click the ZIP file. Windows opens it like a folder.
- Select the files you want, and drag them to another folder or the desktop (or copy and paste them).
Opening files directly from inside a ZIP can cause problems, such as installers failing or edits not saving, so extract first when you plan to use the files.
Supported formats
| Format | Built into Windows 11? |
|---|---|
| .zip | Yes, in all versions |
| .rar, .7z, .tar, .tar.gz, .tgz, .gz, .bz2 | Yes, in Windows 11 version 23H2 and later (added in a late-2023 update) |
| Password-protected or split archives | Limited; a third-party tool is often needed |
Check your version in Settings > System > About, and install updates in Settings > Windows Update if RAR or 7z files don’t open.
Method 3: Use PowerShell or Command Prompt
- PowerShell (ZIP):
Expand-Archive -Path "C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\files.zip" -DestinationPath "C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\files" - tar (ZIP, TAR, GZ, and more): in Command Prompt or PowerShell,
tar -xf files.zip -C C:\Users\Alex\Downloads\files(the destination folder must exist).
Password-protected and split archives
Windows may prompt for a password on some ZIP files, but archives using stronger encryption or multi-part (split) archives often need a dedicated tool. 7-Zip is free and open source; download it only from its official website (7-zip.org). After installing, right-click the archive and choose 7-Zip > Extract Here or Extract to “folder”.
Troubleshooting
- “Windows cannot complete the extraction” – the destination path may be too long. Extract to a short path like C:\Temp.
- “The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid” – the file may be incomplete or corrupted. Download it again.
- Extract All is missing – right-click and choose Show more options, or make sure ZIP files open with File Explorer (Open with > Windows Explorer).
- Files are blocked – for downloaded ZIPs, right-click the ZIP, choose Properties, check Unblock, and extract again.
- Extraction is slow – large archives with many small files take time. Extract to an SSD if possible.
Related: Unzip files on Windows 7.
Related: Open a GZ file in Windows.
Related: Extract multiple ZIP files at once.
Frequently asked questions
How do I zip files in Windows 11?
Select the files, right-click, and choose Compress to > ZIP File (or Compress to ZIP file). Newer versions also offer 7z and TAR options.
Is it safe to extract files from the internet?
Only extract archives from sources you trust, and let Windows Security scan them. Be careful with executable files inside archives.
Can I extract files on Windows 10 the same way?
ZIP extraction works the same. RAR and 7z support is a Windows 11 feature, so use 7-Zip on Windows 10.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.