Unzipping a ZIP file: How to do it

by Pramith November 25, 2025

written by Pramith November 25, 2025

There are several ways to unzip a ZIP file. Here we explain the options available to you and exactly how to proceed.

Unzipping a ZIP file: on Windows, macOS, and Linux

You can quickly unzip ZIP files on your PC without any additional tools.

In Windows, open Explorer and navigate to the folder where the ZIP file is located.
Right-click on the file and select “Extract All…”.
Then, all you have to do is specify a location where the unzipped file should be saved. Click on Extract to start the process.
Once this is complete, the folder containing the extracted files will open automatically.
On a Mac, open Finder and double-click on the ZIP file. The ZIP file will then be extracted to the same folder.
On Linux, open the file manager and right-click on the file. Then select “Extract here.”

If you frequently work with compressed file formats, we recommend using additional software.

The most popular are probably 7-Zip and WinRAR. We have compared both services for you in another article.
In addition to simply unzipping ZIP files, these programs offer many other functions, such as creating different archive formats or password encryption. Furthermore, 7-Zip and WinRAR can also unzip significantly more archive formats.
To use the programs, you must first install them. After installation, the programs work similarly and integrate seamlessly into Windows Explorer.
To do this, navigate to the folder containing the ZIP file and right-click on it. Here you will find the WinRAR or 7-ZIP entry for unpacking.

You can also unzip ZIP files on your smartphone.

On Android, open the Files app. Navigate to the desired location.
Tap the file once and select “Extract.” The unzipped contents will then be displayed in the same folder.
You can also open ZIP files on your iPhone and iPad in the Files app by tapping on the file.
The contents will be unzipped into a new folder and displayed immediately.