You can use the tools that come pre-installed on your device to unzip a file.
Because ZIP files are one of the most used file types, you can unzip them on both desktops and cellphones.
You can use, inspect, edit, and remove a file’s contents after it has been unzipped.
File sizes continue to expand in size as computers get more powerful. ZIP files allow you to compress a large number of files into a single “compressed” file with a decreased file size. It’s a terrific way to transmit a large number of files to someone, especially if you’re using a
file-size-limited app like Gmail.
However, after you’ve got a ZIP file, you’ll need to “unzip” it to see or use any of its files. Fortunately, because ZIP files are so prevalent, unzipping them is a breeze.
Here’s how to unzip files on almost any device, including computers, tablets, and smartphones.
On a Windows PC, how to unzip files
To interface with ZIP files in prior versions of Windows, you had to download separate software. If you’ll be working with ZIP files (or RAR files, which are comparable) frequently, we recommend downloading WinRAR for easier access and more customization options.
You can use the built-in file extractor if you only need to work with ZIP files once in a while.
1. Locate the ZIP file you wish to unpack.
2. To extract a single file, open the ZIP file by double-clicking it, then dragging the contents you want into another folder or onto the desktop.
3. Right-click on the file and select Extract all to unzip it completely. You’ll be asked where you want the files to go; select a location by clicking Browse, then Extract to move the files.
On a Mac, how do you unzip files?
You may download tools like WinZip to let you better personalise your ZIP files, just like you can on a PC.
However, you may quickly unzip a file by double-clicking it. The Archive Utility app will launch by default, and an unzipped folder with all the contents will appear.
If it tries to open with another app, right-click the ZIP file and pick Archive Utility from the Open with drop-down menu.
In Linux, how do you unzip files?
A terminal command is the quickest way to unzip files on a Linux computer.
1. Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a command window.
2. Type the following command in the command window:
unzip [filename].zip
Then press the Enter key. Type the name of the ZIP file you’re trying to unzip in place of [filename]. The files will be in the same folder.
What should you do if Linux says “unzip” isn’t a valid command?
There’s a potential that Linux won’t recognise the “unzip” command the first time you go through this procedure. If this is the case, you do not yet have the unzip command installed.
To correct this, type and submit the following:
sudo apt install unzip
or
sudo yum install unzip
Then run the unzip command once more. If you’re using Ubuntu or Debian, choose the first option; if you’re using Fedora or CentOS, use the second option.
Consider downloading a programme like PeaZip to unzip files using a graphical interface rather than the command window.
On a Chromebook, how do you unzip files?
On a Chromebook, there is no automatic unzip programme, so you’ll have to manually extract the files.
1. Locate and double-click the ZIP file in the Files app to open it.
2. Select all of the files you wish to copy from the ZIP file by holding Ctrl while clicking and selecting multiple objects, then pressing Ctrl + C. You can also copy them by right-clicking on them.
3. Select the folder where you want the unzipped files to go and hit Ctrl + V or right-click and select Paste.
You can also drag and drop the files into a different folder window.
On an iPhone or iPad, how do you unzip files?
If you’ve saved a ZIP file to your iPhone or iPad, it’ll almost certainly appear in the Files app.
1. Locate the ZIP file you downloaded in the Files app.
2. Open the ZIP file and double-click it. An unzipped folder with the same name will appear next to it a short time later.
You can then edit or delete the files in the folder. If it’s an image, you can even view it and save it to your device’s camera roll by tapping the share icon.
On an Android phone or tablet, how do you unzip files?
You must unzip a ZIP file downloaded from an email on Android; you cannot save the compressed ZIP file. When you’re given the option, select Extract.
However, if you save a ZIP file from the internet, it will be saved to your Android file app. This could be called Files by Google, My Files, or something similar depending on the device. You may find it in the list of all your apps or by doing a search for it.
In any case, launch the file app and locate the ZIP file. Simply tap on it once you’ve discovered it, and you’ll be given the choice to unzip it.
After you’ve extracted all of the contents, look in the same location as the ZIP for an unzipped folder containing those files.
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