To unzip files in Windows 10, right-click the ZIP file in File Explorer, choose Extract All, pick a destination folder, and click Extract. Windows creates a regular folder with all the files inside. You can also select the ZIP file and click Extract all on the Extract tab at the top of File Explorer. No extra software is needed.
Below you’ll find every way to unzip files in Windows 10, including how to extract just one file, unzip several ZIP files at once, handle password-protected archives, and open RAR or 7z files.
Method 1: Right-click and choose Extract All
- Open File Explorer and find the ZIP file. Downloads usually land in the Downloads folder.
- Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
- Click Browse to choose a different location, or keep the suggested folder.
- Leave Show extracted files when complete checked, and click Extract.
Method 2: Use the Extract tab
- Click the ZIP file once to select it.
- Click the Extract tab (under Compressed Folder Tools) at the top of File Explorer.
- Click Extract all, or click one of the destination folders to extract straight there.
Method 3: Extract only some files
- Double-click the ZIP file to open it like a folder.
- Select the files you need. Hold Ctrl to select several.
- Drag them to another folder or the desktop, or copy and paste them.
You can open and view files directly inside a ZIP, but they open as read-only copies. Programs and installers often fail when run from inside a ZIP, so extract them first.
Method 4: Use a command
Open PowerShell and run:
Expand-Archive -Path “C:\Users\User\Downloads\photos.zip” -DestinationPath “C:\Users\User\Downloads\photos”
Recent versions of Windows 10 also include the tar command in Command Prompt: tar -xf photos.zip extracts into the current folder.
How to unzip several ZIP files at once
File Explorer’s Extract All works on one ZIP at a time. To extract many at once, install a free archive tool like 7-Zip, select all the ZIP files, right-click, and choose 7-Zip > Extract to “*\”. Each ZIP goes into its own folder.
Password-protected ZIP files
Windows asks for the password when you extract a file protected with standard ZIP encryption. If the ZIP uses AES encryption, File Explorer may show an error. Open it with 7-Zip instead and enter the password. You need the password from whoever made the file. There’s no legitimate way around it.
Opening RAR, 7z, and other archives
Windows 10 File Explorer only extracts ZIP files natively (Windows 11 added support for RAR, 7z, and more). On Windows 10, use a free tool like 7-Zip to open RAR, 7z, TAR, and GZ files. See how to unzip RAR files on Windows 10.
Troubleshooting
- No Extract All option: Another program may have taken over ZIP files. Right-click the file, choose Open with > Choose another app > Windows Explorer, and check Always use this app.
- “The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid”: The download may be incomplete or corrupted. Download it again, or try 7-Zip, which can sometimes open damaged archives.
- “Path too long” errors: Extract to a short location, like C:\Temp, instead of a deeply nested folder.
- Files are blocked or won’t run: Right-click the ZIP before extracting, choose Properties, check Unblock, and click OK. Only do this for files you trust.
Frequently asked questions
Can I delete the ZIP file after extracting?
Yes. Once you’ve extracted and checked the files, the ZIP is no longer needed.
Do I need WinZip to unzip files in Windows 10?
No. Windows 10 has built-in ZIP support. WinZip and similar tools are optional.
How do I zip files in Windows 10?
Select the files, right-click, and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. See how to zip files in 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.