How to Extract Files from Multiple Folders in Windows 11 Efficiently

By / September 19, 2025

Have you ever found yourself searching through countless folders just to gather files scattered all over your PC? Maybe you downloaded several ZIP archives, stored documents in different project folders, or collected images from various locations. Manually opening each folder to copy files is time-consuming and frustrating. Luckily, there are efficient ways to extract files from multiple folders in Windows 11 without wasting time.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explore built-in tools, third-party apps, and automation techniques to help you consolidate files quickly and easily.

Why Extract Files from Multiple Folders?

Before diving into the methods, let’s understand the common scenarios where this task becomes necessary:

  • Organizing files: Gathering documents, images, or videos into a single folder.

  • Unzipping archives: Extracting multiple ZIP or RAR files at once.

  • Batch processing: Preparing files for backup, transfer, or editing.

  • Time-saving: Avoiding manual copy-paste across dozens of folders.

Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, knowing how to handle this efficiently saves hours.

Methods to Extract Files from Multiple Folders in Windows 11

We’ll go from the simplest built-in options to advanced tools for automation.

1. Use File Explorer Search and Copy

Windows 11 File Explorer is more powerful than most users realize. You can search across subfolders and copy results in one go.

Steps:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the parent folder containing multiple subfolders.

  2. In the search bar, type *.* (to display all files) or a specific extension like *.jpg.

  3. Press Ctrl + A to select all search results.

  4. Copy (Ctrl + C) and paste (Ctrl + V) them into a new destination folder.

✅ Best for: Collecting files of a certain type (e.g., all PDFs or all images).

2. Extract Multiple ZIP Files at Once

If you’ve downloaded multiple compressed folders, you can extract them together.

Method 1: Using Built-in Extract Tool

  1. Select all ZIP files in File Explorer.

  2. Right-click and choose Extract All.

  3. Specify a destination folder.

Method 2: Using 7-Zip or WinRAR

  1. Install 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR.

  2. Select all archives, right-click, and choose:

    • Extract Here (to current folder), or

    • Extract to “FolderName\” (to separate subfolders).

✅ Best for: Handling many compressed folders efficiently.

3. Use Command Prompt (For Quick Automation)

Windows’ Command Prompt lets you batch move files.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and open Command Prompt.

  2. Navigate to the parent folder using:

    cd "C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Projects"

  3. Run this command to move all .pdf files into one folder:

    move *.pdf "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\CollectedFiles"

  4. Replace .pdf with any extension you want.

✅ Best for: Users comfortable with simple commands.

4. Use PowerShell for More Control

PowerShell offers more flexibility than Command Prompt.

Steps:

  1. Open PowerShell (search in Start menu).

  2. Use this command to collect all .jpg files from subfolders:

    Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Filter *.jpg | Copy-Item -Destination "C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\Images"

  3. Replace *.jpg with your desired file type.

✅ Best for: IT users, automation, or handling large file batches.

5. Automate with Free Tools

Some free apps make file extraction even easier.

Best Tools:

  • Everything (by VoidTools) – Super-fast search and batch copy.

  • 7-Zip – Extract multiple compressed archives.

  • BulkFileChanger (NirSoft) – Copy, move, or delete files from multiple folders at once.

These tools save time when Windows’ built-in methods feel limiting.

6. Create a Batch Script (Advanced Users)

If you often need to gather files from multiple folders, a batch script automates it.

Example Script:

@echo off
set source=C:\Users\YourName\Documents\Projects
set destination=C:\Users\YourName\Desktop\Collected
for /r %source% %%f in (*.docx) do copy "%%f" %destination%
pause

Save this as extract.bat and run it to gather all Word documents into one folder.

✅ Best for: Repeated tasks or large-scale file management.

Comparison Table: Methods vs. Efficiency

Method Difficulty Best For Tools Needed
File Explorer Search Easy Collecting by type None
Extracting ZIPs Easy Archive handling Built-in / 7-Zip
Command Prompt Medium Quick batch moves None
PowerShell Medium Advanced automation None
Third-Party Tools Easy Speed & convenience 7-Zip, Everything
Batch Script Hard Repeated automation Notepad (script)

Extra Tips for Efficiency

  • Always create a destination folder first to avoid clutter.

  • Use search filters (*.jpg, *.pdf, etc.) to target only what you need.

  • Combine methods (e.g., File Explorer + PowerShell) for maximum speed.

  • Back up files before moving large batches.

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • Windows 11 offers multiple ways to extract files from multiple folders.

  • Use File Explorer search for quick manual consolidation.

  • Rely on 7-Zip or WinRAR for handling compressed archives.

  • Try Command Prompt or PowerShell for automation.

  • Advanced users can create batch scripts for repeated tasks.

With these methods, you’ll never waste time hunting through dozens of folders again.

FAQs

1. Can I extract files from multiple ZIP folders at once?
Yes, select them all and use Extract All or a tool like 7-Zip.

2. What’s the fastest way to collect images from multiple folders?
Use File Explorer search (*.jpg) or PowerShell.

3. Is PowerShell faster than File Explorer?
For large numbers of files, PowerShell is faster and more efficient.

4. Can I undo file extraction if I make a mistake?
Yes, but only if you copied (not moved) files. Otherwise, use Ctrl + Z immediately.

5. Do I need third-party software for this?
Not always. Built-in tools are powerful, but apps like Everything or 7-Zip make it easier.

Related Posts:

Scroll to Top