How to unzip files on Windows 11, 10

• To unzip files on Windows 11, open the zipped folder on File Explorer, click “Extract all,” select the destination, and click “Extract.”
• You can also select a file from the zipped file, copy and paste it, or drag it to the new location to extract a single file.
• Alternatively, you can open PowerShell (admin) and run the “Expand-Archive -LiteralPath PATH\TO\ZIP -DestinationPath PATH\TO\DESTINATION” command to extract files from the zipped folder.
• On the Command Prompt, you can also use the tar command.

On Windows 11, you can quickly extract the contents of a zipped folder using File Explorer or PowerShell (or even Command Prompt) without using third-party applications. In this guide, I’ll show you how to complete this process.

A ZIP file is a compressed container that reduces file size to save storage space. It also makes transferring files over the internet more efficient, which is why downloaded applications, documents, and other content often come in “.zip” format.

In this guide, I’ll explain the easiest ways to unzip files on Windows 11 (and Windows 10).

• Unzip files on Windows 11 from File Explorer
• Unzip files on Windows 11 from PowerShell
• Unzip files on Windows 11 from Command Prompt
• FAQs about unzipping files on Windows 11, 10

Unzip files on Windows 11 from File Explorer

On Windows 11 and 10, you can extract files from a zip container in two ways. For example, you can extract all or select files. The instructions below will show you how to do this.

Extract all files from File Explorer

To unzip all the files from a zipped folder on Windows 11 (or 10), follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer on Windows 11.

2. Open the folder with the “zipped” file.

3. Right-click the file and select the Extract All option.

   

4. (Optional) Click the Browse button and select the folder to extract the zipped files.

5. Click the Extract button.

   

Once you complete the steps, the files will unzip to the selected folder on Windows 11.

Extract a single file from File Explorer

To unzip one file from a zipped file, follow these steps:

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Open the folder with the “zipped” file.

3. Double-click the zipped file to open it.

4. Select the file(s) (“Ctrl + A” keyboard shortcut).

5. Right-click the selection and choose the Copy option.

   

6. Browse to the location to extract the zipped files.

7. Right-click inside the folder and choose the Paste option.

After you complete the steps, a copy of the files will be extracted to the specified folder on Windows 11 or 10.

Unzip files on Windows 11 from PowerShell

To extract a zipped folder with commands from PowerShell on Windows 11 (or 10), follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for PowerShell, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to unzip files with PowerShell and press Enter:

   Expand-Archive -LiteralPath PATH\TO\ZIP -DestinationPath PATH\TO\DESTINATION

   This example extracts the zipped files to the “Downloads” folder:

   Expand-Archive -LiteralPath C:\Users\m__la\Downloads\wordpress.zip -DestinationPath C:\Users\m__la\Downloads

   

Once you complete the steps, the files will be extracted from the zip container and sent to the specified folder.

Unzip files on Windows 11 from Command Prompt

To extract a zipped folder with commands from Command Prompt, follow these steps:

1. Open Start.

2. Search for Command Prompt, right-click the top result, and select the Run as administrator option.

3. Type the following command to open the zip directory and press Enter:

   cd PATH\TO\ZIP

   In the command, update the path to the location of the zip file. For example, cd C:\Users\m__la\Downloads.

4. Type the following command to unzip files with PowerShell and press Enter:

   tar -xf container.zip -C PATH\TO\EXTRACT\ZIP

   This example extracts the zipped files to the “Extracted” folder:

   tar -xf wakeonlan.zip -C C:\Users\m__la\Downloads\Extracted

   

After you complete the steps, the files will be extracted in the specified folder.

In addition to “.zip” files, you may find other compression containers, such as “.tar.” gz,” commonly found in Linux and macOS. If this is the case, you can also extract their contents using native commands on Windows 11.

While tar can extract .zip files, it’s not the most common tool for this purpose, but it works on Windows.

FAQs about unzipping files on Windows 11, 10

Below are common questions and answers when using compression on Windows 11 and 10.

How do I unzip a file on Windows 11?

To unzip a file on Windows 11, open File Explorer, right-click the ZIP file, choose “Extract All,” select a destination folder, and click “Extract.” Windows will automatically decompress the contents into the selected location without requiring third-party software.

What is a ZIP file and why do I need to extract it?

A ZIP file is a compressed folder that reduces file size for easier storage and faster sharing. You must extract it to access and use the files inside, since Windows treats ZIP files as containers rather than regular folders.

Is it better to unzip files with File Explorer or PowerShell on Windows 11?

File Explorer is best for most users because it offers a simple graphical interface for extracting files quickly. PowerShell is more efficient for advanced users who need automation, scripting, or batch extraction using the Expand-Archive command.

What is the difference between Expand-Archive and the tar command on Windows 11?

Expand-Archive is a PowerShell cmdlet designed specifically for ZIP files. The tar command in Command Prompt supports multiple archive formats, including .zip and .tar.gz. While both work, Expand-Archive is more common for ZIP extraction on Windows.

How do I extract only one file from a ZIP folder on Windows 11?

To extract a single file, double-click the ZIP file in File Explorer, select the file you need, then copy and paste or drag it to another folder. Windows will automatically extract only that specific file to the new location.

Why can’t I open a ZIP file on Windows 11?

You usually can’t open a ZIP file if it’s corrupted, incomplete, or blocked after downloading. Right-click the file, choose Properties, and select “Unblock” if available. If the problem persists, re-download the file to ensure it isn’t damaged.

Can Windows 11 extract TAR or TAR.GZ files without third-party apps?

Yes, Windows 11 can extract .tar and .tar.gz files using the built-in tar command in Command Prompt. This native support allows you to unpack Linux or macOS archives without installing additional compression software.

How do I fix the “Access is denied” error when extracting a ZIP file?

The “Access is denied” error usually occurs due to insufficient permissions or a protected destination folder. Try extracting the files to a different location, like Downloads or Desktop. If the issue persists, run File Explorer, PowerShell, or Command Prompt as administrator.

How do I set a default extraction location for ZIP files on Windows 11?

Windows 11 does not allow setting a permanent default extraction folder. By default, it suggests the same location as the ZIP file. You must manually choose a different folder each time using the “Browse” option in the “Extract All” wizard.

Update February 27, 2026: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.