How to Unzip (Extract) Files on Windows 11 and 10
Step-by-step guide to unzipping files with Extract All, previewing a zip without extracting it, and using Windows 11's native RAR and 7z support.
Right-click any .zip file and choose Extract All to unzip it on Windows 11 or 10 — no extra software needed. Since version 24H2, Windows 11 also opens .rar and .7z files the same way, but a few jobs (passwords, split archives, real compression control) still call for 7-Zip.
Extract a Zip File With Extract All
- Right-click (or press and hold) the zipped folder. On Windows 11’s compact menu, click Show more options first if you don’t see Extract All, or just press Shift+F10 on the selected file.
- Select Extract All…
- Accept the suggested destination folder or click Browse to pick another one.
- Check Show extracted files when complete if you want the folder to open automatically.
- Click Extract.
Preview a Zip Without Extracting Everything
You don’t have to unzip the whole archive just to grab one file. Double-click the zipped folder and File Explorer opens it like a regular folder, showing every file and subfolder inside. From there, drag only the item you need out to your desktop or another folder — the rest stays compressed until you ask for it.
Does Windows 11 Really Open RAR and 7z Natively?
Yes. As of Windows 11, version 24H2, File Explorer natively reads .zip, .rar, .7z, .tar, and several tar variants — you can browse them like folders and run Extract All on them exactly as with a zip file, confirmed on Microsoft’s own support page. File Explorer can also create .zip, .7z, and .tar archives from the right-click Compress to menu, though it still can’t create .rar files, since RAR is a licensed format Microsoft doesn’t own. Version 25H2 adds a real speed boost when extracting large .7z and .rar archives. Windows 10 never got this update — its Explorer still only handles .zip on its own, which is one more reason to plan your move before Windows 10 end of support.
When You Still Need 7-Zip
| Symptom | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Archive says it needs a password | Native extractor doesn’t support encrypted archives | Install 7-Zip and open the file there |
File is .rar.part1, .7z.001, or similar | Split/multi-volume archives aren’t handled natively | Use 7-Zip or WinRAR, which reassemble the parts automatically |
You’re on Windows 10 and .rar/.7z won’t open | Native support is a Windows 11 24H2+ feature only | Install 7-Zip, or extract on a Windows 11 PC |
| You need a smaller file or AES-256 password protection | Explorer’s built-in zip has no encryption option | Use 7-Zip’s Add to Archive dialog with a password and higher compression level |
If you’re zipping files to send or store rather than just unzip them, worth reading how to back up your files properly first — a zip archive isn’t a backup strategy by itself.
For everyday extraction, stick with the built-in Extract All: it’s free, it’s already installed, and as of 24H2 it covers RAR and 7z too. Keep 7-Zip around only for passwords, split archives, or when you’re stuck on Windows 10 without native support. Once you’ve pulled what you need out of an old archive, delete the original zip if you don’t need it anymore — it’s an easy way to free up space on Windows 11.