How To Unzip Files On Windows 10: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Published on October 19, 2025

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Unzipping files is a fundamental skill for anyone using Windows 10. Compressed files, often in the popular ZIP format, are a convenient way to share and store large amounts of data. This guide provides a clear and concise walkthrough of how to unzip files on Windows 10, covering both built-in tools and popular third-party software.

Whether you’re dealing with downloaded software, archived documents, or shared photos, understanding how to extract these files is essential. This article will equip you with the knowledge to effortlessly unzip files and access the contents within.

What’s the Easiest Way to Unzip Files on Windows 10?

Windows 10 offers several methods for unzipping files, from the built-in File Explorer functionality to dedicated third-party software. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best approach:

Using File Explorer’s Built-in Extraction Tool

File Explorer, the default file manager in Windows 10, has built-in support for ZIP files, making it the simplest option for basic unzipping needs.

Locate the ZIP file: Find the ZIP file you want to unzip on your computer.
Right-click the ZIP file: Right-click on the ZIP file.
Select “Extract All…”: From the context menu, choose the “Extract All…” option.
Choose a destination: A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a destination folder for the extracted files. You can either accept the default location or browse to select a different folder.
Click “Extract”: Click the “Extract” button to begin the unzipping process. The extracted files will be placed in the specified destination folder.

Unzipping with 7-Zip

7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver with advanced features, including support for a wide range of archive formats beyond ZIP.

Download and install 7-Zip: If you don’t already have it, download 7-Zip from https://www.7-zip.org/ and install it.
Locate the ZIP file: Find the ZIP file you want to unzip on your computer.
Right-click the ZIP file: Right-click on the ZIP file.
Select “7-Zip”: From the context menu, hover over the “7-Zip” option.
Choose an extraction option: A submenu will appear with several extraction options, such as “Extract Here,” “Extract to folder,” or “Extract…”.

Extract Here: Extracts the files to the current directory.
Extract to folder: Creates a new folder with the same name as the ZIP file and extracts the files into it.
Extract…: Opens a dialog box where you can specify a destination folder.

Click your desired option: Click on the option you want to use, and 7-Zip will begin the unzipping process.

Using WinRAR

WinRAR is a popular file archiver known for its robust features and support for various archive formats. While it’s a shareware program, the trial version is fully functional for unzipping files.

Download and install WinRAR: If you don’t already have it, download WinRAR from https://www.rarlab.com/ and install it.
Locate the ZIP file: Find the ZIP file you want to unzip on your computer.
Right-click the ZIP file: Right-click on the ZIP file.
Select “Extract Files…”: From the context menu, choose the “Extract Files…” option.
Choose a destination: A dialog box will appear, prompting you to choose a destination folder for the extracted files.
Click “OK”: Click the “OK” button to begin the unzipping process. The extracted files will be placed in the specified destination folder.

Tips for Unzipping Files

Password-protected ZIP files: If a ZIP file is password-protected, you’ll be prompted to enter the password before the files can be extracted.
Large ZIP files: Unzipping large ZIP files can take some time, depending on the size of the archive and the speed of your computer.
Corrupted ZIP files: If you encounter errors while unzipping a file, it may be corrupted. Try downloading the file again or using a different unzipping tool.
Disk Space: Ensure you have enough free disk space on the destination drive to accommodate the extracted files.

Comparing Unzipping Tools

Here’s a quick comparison of the three methods discussed:

Feature	File Explorer (Built-in)	7-Zip	WinRAR
Ease of Use	Very Easy	Easy	Easy
Cost	Free	Free	Shareware (Trial)
Archive Formats	ZIP	Many (ZIP, 7z, RAR…)	Many (ZIP, RAR, ACE…)
Advanced Features	Limited	Extensive	Extensive

Effortless File Extraction

Unzipping files on Windows 10 is a straightforward process, thanks to the built-in tools and readily available third-party software. Whether you opt for the simplicity of File Explorer or the advanced features of 7-Zip or WinRAR, you can easily access the contents of compressed files.

FAQ

How do I unzip a file on Windows 10 without any software? You can use the built-in File Explorer. Right-click the ZIP file and select “Extract All…”.

Is 7-Zip safe to use? Yes, 7-Zip is a reputable and open-source file archiver that is generally considered safe to use. Download it from the official website.

Why can’t I open a ZIP file? The ZIP file might be corrupted, or you might not have a program installed that can handle ZIP files. Try downloading the file again or installing 7-Zip or WinRAR.

How do I password protect a ZIP file? Both 7-Zip and WinRAR allow you to create password-protected ZIP files. When creating the archive, look for the option to set a password.

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