How To Open ZIP Files On Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

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5 min. read

Published on October 26, 2025

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ZIP files are a convenient way to compress and share multiple files as a single archive. If you’re new to Windows 11 or simply want a refresher, this guide will walk you through the various methods available to open ZIP files, ensuring you can access your important data quickly and easily.

From using the built-in File Explorer to exploring third-party software, we’ll cover everything you need to know to extract the contents of a ZIP archive on your Windows 11 computer. Let’s get started!

Unzipping on Windows 11: How Do I Do It?

Using File Explorer to Open ZIP Files

File Explorer, the default file manager in Windows 11, has built-in support for ZIP files. This makes it the easiest method for most users.

Locate the ZIP file you want to open.
Right-click on the ZIP file.
Select “Extract All…” from the context menu.
A window will appear asking you to choose a destination folder for the extracted files. You can either use the default location or click “Browse…” to select a different folder.
Check the box labeled “Show extracted files when complete” if you want File Explorer to automatically open the destination folder after extraction.
Click “Extract”.

Opening ZIP Files with Third-Party Software

While File Explorer is sufficient for basic ZIP file handling, third-party software offers advanced features like encryption, repair, and support for other archive formats.

Download and install a ZIP file utility like 7-Zip, WinRAR, or PeaZip.
Locate the ZIP file you want to open.
Right-click on the ZIP file.
Hover over the name of the installed software in the context menu (e.g., “7-Zip”).
Choose an extraction option:

“Extract Here” will extract the files to the current folder.
“Extract to \[folder name]” will create a new folder with the same name as the ZIP file and extract the files there.
“Open Archive” will open the ZIP file in the software’s interface, allowing you to browse and extract individual files.

Opening Password-Protected ZIP Files

If a ZIP file is password-protected, you’ll need the correct password to extract its contents.

Use either File Explorer or a third-party ZIP utility to start the extraction process.
When prompted, enter the password in the provided field.
Click “OK” or “Extract” to proceed.

Note: If you don’t know the password, you won’t be able to access the files within the ZIP archive.

Opening ZIP Files Directly

Windows 11 also allows you to treat ZIP files as folders, browsing their contents without fully extracting them.

Double-click the ZIP file.
File Explorer will open the ZIP file as if it were a regular folder.
You can view, copy, and even run (with caution) files directly from within the ZIP archive.
To extract a single file, simply drag it from the ZIP archive to a destination folder.

Opening Large ZIP Files

Large ZIP files can take a significant amount of time to extract, especially on older computers.

Use a third-party ZIP utility, as they often offer better performance and progress indicators.
Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive to accommodate the extracted files.
Avoid running other resource-intensive applications during the extraction process.
Consider using a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster extraction speeds.

Tips for Working with ZIP Files

Keep your ZIP software updated: This ensures you have the latest security patches and features.
Scan extracted files for viruses: Always scan extracted files with an antivirus program before opening them, especially if you downloaded the ZIP file from an untrusted source.
Use descriptive names for your ZIP files: This makes it easier to find and manage them later.
Consider using 7-Zip: It’s free, open-source, and supports a wide range of archive formats.

Here’s a comparison of popular ZIP utilities:

Feature	File Explorer	7-Zip	WinRAR
Built-in	Yes	No	No
Free	Yes	Yes	Trial
Archive Formats	ZIP	Many	Many
Encryption	Yes	Yes	Yes
Repair	No	Yes	Yes
Password Manager	No	No	Yes

Unlocking Your Compressed Files

Opening ZIP files on Windows 11 is straightforward, thanks to the built-in File Explorer and a variety of third-party tools. Whether you need quick access to a single file or want to extract an entire archive, Windows 11 provides the flexibility to handle your compressed files efficiently.

FAQ

How do I create a ZIP file in Windows 11? Select the files or folders you want to compress, right-click, choose “Compress to ZIP file,” and give the ZIP file a name.

Can I open a ZIP file on my phone? Yes, both Android and iOS have apps that can open ZIP files. Search for “ZIP extractor” in your app store.

Is 7-Zip safe to use? Yes, 7-Zip is a reputable and open-source program. Download it from the official website to avoid malware.

Why can’t I open a ZIP file? The file may be corrupted, password-protected without you knowing the password, or you may need to update your ZIP software.

What other archive formats can Windows 11 handle? Windows 11 natively supports ZIP files. For other formats like RAR or 7z, you’ll need third-party software.