Fix Unable to Extract Zip File Windows 11 With 4 Simple Ways

Have you ever encountered unable to extract Zip file Windows 11 error when you try to open compressed or zipped files? If you do, do not worry. This post will be your superhero and help you solve this unzip error.

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Hey, I am trying to extract files from a zipped folder, but that is not allowing me to do so. I have looked it up, but nothing worked, so I just wondered if anyone has any advice that may help. I guess Windows 11 may be the culprit because I just transferred from 10 to 11 a few weeks ago. Thank you in advance.  - from Microsoft Community

If you are unable to extract Zip file Windows 11 error, you can first try another third-party compression ad extraction tool if you are using one. If this method fails to work, try the following methods:

Fix 1. Fix Unable to Extract Zip Files in Windows 11 With File Repair Software

If your Zip files get corrupted or damaged accidentally, you may receive this error message saying you cannot extract/open the Zip file. To hit the nail on the head, you just need to repair corrupted Zip files. EaseUS Fixo File Repair may be the best solution to fix file corruption.

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This Zip file repair software can repair corrupted Zip files with AI power, and the whole process can be completed with just a few clicks of your fingers. Let's explore the cases this tool can perfectly handle on compressed files:

Here are the detailed steps needed if you want to repair damaged files with this reliable repair tool:

Step 1. Download and launch Fixo on your PC or laptop. Choose "File Repair" to repair corrupted Office documents, including Word, Excel, PDF, and others. Click "Add Files" to select corrupted documents.

add files to repair documents with Fixo

Step 2. To repair multiple files at once, click the "Repair All" button. If you want to repair a single document, move your pointer to the target file and choose "Repair". You can also preview the documents by clicking the eye icon.

select documents to repair

Step 3. Click "Save" to save a selected document. Select "Save All" to save all the repaired files. Choose "View Repaired" to locate the repaired folder.

save repaired documents in Fixo

It would be great if this software helps you, and if so, you can share this post on your social media or forums:

 

Fix 2. Restart the Windows Explorer Process to Solve Zip Files Not Opening Windows 11

If this failure to finish extraction is a temporary issue, you can use the Windows file system to help. You can restart the Windows Explorer process as follows:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows button and choose Task Manager from the menu. Alternatively, you can type Task Manager in the search bar and click it.

choose task manager from the menu

Step 2. Under the Processes tab, right-click on the Windows Explorer and choose "Restart".

right click on windows explorer and click on restart

Step 3. Wait for the File Explorer to restart.

Fix 3. Extract Zip File With the Command Prompt to Fix Unable to Open Zip File Windows 11 

If all compression tools fail to work, you can use the built-in option to extract Zip/RAR files with Command Prompt. Here is the step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Locate the folder where your Zip file is stored. 

Step 2. Enter cmd in the search bar and hit Enter.

Step 3. When the Command Prompt window opens, copy and paste your file location and the following command and hit Enter.

tar -xf FileName.zip

enter the loaction and command

🛠️Note: Ensure you have replaced the FileName with your Zip file's actual and correct name.

Fix 4. Manage Folder Optimization Settings to Solve Unable to Extract Zip File Windows 11

Changing the folder optimization settings can also help File Explorer resolve file errors. You can try managing it like this:

Step 1. Right-click on the folder storing Zip files and choose "Properties".

Step 2. Under the "Customize" tab, choose "General item" from the drop-down menu. 

Step 3. Check the box says "Also apply this template to all subfolders". Tap on "Apply" and "OK".

optimiz the settings

FAQs on Unable to Extract Zip Files Windows 11

Here are some questions that are usually asked by users searching this topic:

1. Why is my Zip file not extracting?

One possible cause is that the file you want to extract exceeds the maximum length Windows allows. Or, your Zip/RAR files are corrupted and damaged for certain reasons.

2. How do I enable Zip in Windows 11?

Follow the instructions here:

  • Navigate to the Zip files
  • Right-click on the file or folder to zip
  • Choose "Compress" from the menu to zip your file

Final Words

This post has looked at four workable ways to fix unable to extract zip file Windows 11 error. You can restart the File Explorer, extract files with Command Prompt, or optimize the file settings. If the methods above all fail, use EaseUS Fixo File Repair as your last resort.

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author Finley

Finley

Finley is interested in reading and writing articles about technical knowledge. Her articles mainly focus on file repair and data recovery.

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