How to unzip files

If you recently downloaded multiple attachments from an email or your cloud storage platform like Google Drive, you likely noticed that the files are often stored and downloaded in a single zip archive file.

You may be wondering, how can I unzip these files to access individual downloads as needed?

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to unzip a .ZIP file using one of the most popular file compression tools in use today, WinZip. In addition, you’ll get instructions for using the built-in unzipping programs on Windows and macOS.

How to unzip files with WinZip

While you can unzip files using Windows' or macOS’ native features, downloading a dedicated unzipping app like WinZip is more practical. Aside from opening .ZIP files, WinZip lets you open other archive formats like .RAR, .7Z, and .CAB files, edit PDF files, save space on your computer, back up your files, and more.

Open WinZip to Unzip Files

After downloading and installing WinZip, you can open the app and start unzipping files. Here's how you can do it easily.

  1. Open the WinZip app.
  2. On the menu bar, click on File > Open > WinZip File. Open WinZip to Unzip Files - Step 2
  3. In the file explorer window that opens, navigate to the folder where you saved the .ZIP file you want to uncompress.
  4. Choose the .ZIP file you need and click on Open. Open WinZip to Unzip Files - Step 4
  5. WinZip will open the .ZIP file in the main window. It will then display a Would you like to unzip the contents of this Zip file now? dialog box with the following options:
    • Yes, unzip the files to (the current folder where the zipped file is located)
    • Yes, unzip the files to the Documents folder
    • Yes, unzip the files to a folder I choose
    • No, just show me its contents
  6. Click the third option to unzip the file to a specific folder. Otherwise, choose the option that's appropriate for you. Open WinZip to Unzip Files - Step 6
  7. Navigate to the folder where you want to place the unzipped files in the file explorer window that will appear, then click on Unzip.
  8. Once WinZip unzips your files, the folder containing the files will open on its main window.

You can now find the files you need in the folder where you saved them on the Windows File Explorer. However, if you're already looking at the WinZip file you want to uncompress in File Explorer, there's an even faster way to unzip it.

Open the Zipped Files With WinZip

Before opening zipped files with WinZip, ensure that it is your default app for opening .ZIP files. To do so, open the WinZip app for the first time. When WinZip shows the Make WinZip my default app to open ZIP files. dialog box, click on Yes, then follow the instructions.

Open the Zipped Files With WinZip
  1. Open the .ZIP file you want to uncompress.
  2. WinZip will open the .ZIP file in the main window and display a Would you like to unzip the contents of this Zip file now? dialog box with the following options:
    • Yes, unzip the files to [the current folder where the zipped file is located]
    • Yes, unzip the files to the Documents folder
    • Yes, unzip the files to a folder I choose
    • No, just show me its contents
  3. Click the third option to unzip the file to a specific folder. Otherwise, choose the option that's appropriate for you.
  4. Navigate to the folder where you want to place the unzipped files in the file explorer window that will appear, then click on Unzip.
  5. Once WinZip uncompresses the .ZIP file, the folder containing the files will automatically open on its main window.

You can now easily unzip files and look at the documents you downloaded on your computer.

How to unzip files on windows

If you're in a hurry and need to access a zipped file quickly on your Windows PC, you can opt not to open the WinZip app. Instead, right-click on the file you want to open to unzip it. Here's how:

  1. Go to the folder where you downloaded the zipped file you want to open.
  2. Right-click on the zip file. In the context menu, go to WinZip > WinZip > Unzip to… How to unzip files on windows - Step 2
  3. In the new Window that will open, select the folder where you want to place the files once they're unzipped.
  4. Click on Unzip.

With that, your files are unzipped and ready for use.

How to unzip files on a Mac

You can also easily open and unzip compressed files with WinZip on Mac. Here's how WinZip works on macOS.

  1. Download and install WinZip Mac, then launch it.
  2. On the menu bar, click on File > Open Zip File, then choose the option where you saved the file you want to unzip. How to unzip files on a Mac - Step 2
  3. With the zip file open, go to the Actions sidebar and click on the button below Unzip all files to: to unzip your files to the selected folder. WinZip will unzip the files to the selected folder. Then, you can use Finder to find the files you just unzipped.
  4. If you want to change the destination folder, click the Option icon > Other… Then, navigate to the folder where you want to place the files and click Choose. WinZip will then unzip the files to your selection, and you can use Finder to open the files you uncompressed.

How to unzip files on iOS

While most encounter .ZIP files on desktop and laptop computers, there are some instances where you'll have to deal with them on your iPhone or iPad. Thankfully, it's simple and easy to uncompress ZIP files on iOS with WinZip.

How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS
  1. Open the .ZIP file you wish to download on your iPhone or iPad. It will show a paper icon with zip written on it, plus the file name, size, and number of files inside the archive.
  2. Tap the down arrow beside the file name on the tab at the top of the screen, then choose Save to Files.
  3. In the Browse menu, under Locations, choose On My iPhone. Select any folder you want to save the .ZIP file you're downloading, then tap Save.
  4. Download the WinZip app from the App Stnore to your iOS device.
    How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS
  5. In the WinZip app, under the My Files view, tap On My iPhone.
  6. On the On My iPhone screen, tap the + sign in the lower-right corner.
  7. In the files view, type Browse. Then, go to Locations > On My iPhone. Tap Open in the upper-right corner.
    How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS
  8. Back on the On My iPhone screen, tap on File Provider Storage. From here, browse toward the folder where you saved the .ZIP file you want to open.
  9. Once you've located the .ZIP file, tap on the Options Icon, then tap on Unzip…
  10. In the next window, navigate where you want to save the compressed files, then tap Unzip.

Once done, you can open the Files app on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to the folder where the files are saved.

The process is similar on Android devices, but a few steps change slightly. Here's how.

How to unzip files on an Android device

Before starting, download the WinZip app from the Google Play Store. Once it's installed, follow these steps to start unzipping files.

How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS How to unzip files on iOS
  1. Download the .ZIP file you want to open to your Android device.
  2. Open the WinZip app. In the Home view, navigate to the folder where you saved the .ZIP file you downloaded by tapping on Internal Storage or Downloads.
  3. When you find the .ZIP file you need to open, tap on the Options Icon, then choose Unzip to…
  4. In the next window, navigate where you want to save the compressed files, then tap UNZIP HERE.

When WinZip finishes unpacking your compressed files, open your Android's Files app and navigate to the folder where you saved the files. If you chose My Files as the destination of your unzipped files, you'll find the folder in Internal Storage > WinZip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need to unzip files?

Compressing downloads in a .ZIP format reduces the total file size, saving space on your stored computer, Gmail, Google Drive, and more. When compressing files, the compressing app (like WinZip) scans the file’s code to find repetitive patterns and replace them with unique code that uses less storage.

This process saves on space, but because the underlying code in the file is changed, your operating system will no longer recognize it. So, to ensure that your computer can read, you have to restore the substituted code with the original, requiring you to uncompress or unzip the archive.

How do I unzip files for free?

To unzip files at no cost, download WinZip Free. After you download the winzip.exe file, open it, and follow the instructions for its installation. After the setup, open the WinZip app.

If you don't want to purchase the app yet, click Use Evaluation Version. From there, you can start unzipping files for free.

What program opens when I unzip a file? / What program unzips a file?

WinZip is the best program if you want to unzip a file. It is the first program with a graphical user interface allowing you to open zip files.

Can anyone open and edit a zip file?

Yes, anyone can open and edit a zip file by using WinZip. However, WinZip goes beyond unzipping compressed files.

You can also use it to create new archives, change the contents of an existing zip file, add a password to an archive, and more.

Why can't I open a zip file on Windows?

A downloading error is the most common reason why you can't open a zip file on Windows. The best way to solve a downloading error is to re-download the file to ensure you get an uncorrupted version.

You might also encounter issues opening a zip file if you don't have the proper software. If that's the case, it's best to download and install the latest version of WinZip to open your compressed files.

Do you need an app to unzip files?

While most operating systems can open zip files without requiring an app, WinZip is best for opening .ZIP files.

WinZip will do more than just unzip your files. You can quickly and securely share files, create, combine, and edit PDF files, save storage space by removing duplicate files, automatically back up essential files, and more. Learn more about the full suite of WinZip products.

Unzipping compressed files with WinZip

Whether you're a professional who downloads hundreds of files daily or a casual computer user who occasionally shares multiple files, you need a practical and reliable app. So, if you're looking for something easy to use and understand, you should check out WinZip’s app.

With WinZip, unzipping a compressed file is as simple as double-clicking it. Download WinZip for free today!

Download: WinZip for Windows | Mac | Android | iOS