How to Unzip Multiple Files at Once on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’ve ever downloaded multiple compressed files, you know how time-consuming it can be to unzip them one by one. The good news is that Windows 11 makes it easy to extract multiple files at the same time, saving you both time and effort.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to unzip multiple files at once on Windows 11 using built-in tools and third-party software.

Table of Contents

Why Unzip Multiple Files at Once?

Unzipping multiple files together is helpful when:

You’ve downloaded multiple ZIP files from the internet.
You’re dealing with large datasets or project files.
You want to save time instead of extracting each file manually.

Think of it like unpacking all your shopping bags at once instead of one by one — it’s way more efficient.

Method 1: Unzip Multiple Files Using File Explorer

Windows 11 comes with built-in support for ZIP files.

Steps:

Select all the ZIP files you want to unzip (hold Ctrl or Shift while clicking).
Right-click on the selection.
Choose Extract All.
Select the destination folder where you want the files extracted.
Click Extract.

👉 This will create individual folders for each ZIP file in the chosen location.

Method 2: Use the Right-Click “Extract Here” Option (With Third-Party Tool)

If you install a tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip, you’ll get extra extraction options in the right-click menu.

Steps with 7-Zip or WinRAR:

Select all the ZIP files.
Right-click > choose 7-Zip (or WinRAR).
Select Extract Here to unzip all files in the same folder.
Or choose Extract to “Folder Name” to keep each file in a separate folder.

This method is quicker and more flexible than the built-in option.

Method 3: Batch Extract ZIP Files with Command Prompt (Advanced)

For power users, the Command Prompt or PowerShell can batch extract files.

Steps with PowerShell:

Press Win + S, type powershell, and open it.
Navigate to the folder containing the ZIP files using:

cd "C:\path\to\your\zipfiles"
Run the following command:

Get-ChildItem *.zip | ForEach-Object { Expand-Archive -Path $_.FullName -DestinationPath "$($_.BaseName)" }

👉 This extracts all ZIP files into folders named after the file.

Method 4: Use a Dedicated Bulk Extractor Tool

If you regularly work with large numbers of compressed files, bulk extractors are your best bet.

Popular Tools:

PeaZip – Free, lightweight, and supports multiple formats.
Bandizip – Fast and user-friendly.
ExtractNow – Designed specifically for batch unzipping.

These tools let you drag and drop multiple files and extract them all at once with a single click.

Method 5: Automate Extraction with a Batch Script

If you often unzip multiple files, you can create a reusable script.

Open Notepad.
Paste the following:

@echo off for %%F in (*.zip) do ( powershell -command "Expand-Archive -Path '%%F' -DestinationPath '%%~nF'" ) pause
Save it as unzip.bat in your ZIP folder.
Double-click the script whenever you want to unzip all files.

This way, unzipping becomes a one-click task.

Troubleshooting: Files Not Extracting?

Corrupted ZIP file? Try re-downloading it.
Wrong password? Some ZIPs are encrypted — you’ll need the correct password.
Tool not working? Update your extractor (7-Zip, WinRAR, etc.).

Pros and Cons of Different Methods

✅ Pros

File Explorer: No extra software needed.
7-Zip/WinRAR: More control & faster extraction.
PowerShell/Batch: Great for automation.

❌ Cons

File Explorer: Limited options.
Third-party tools: Require installation.
PowerShell: Not beginner-friendly.

Conclusion

Unzipping multiple files at once in Windows 11 doesn’t have to be a hassle. Whether you use File Explorer, 7-Zip, PowerShell, or automation scripts, there’s a method that fits your workflow.

If you want something quick and simple, File Explorer works fine. But if you need speed and customization, tools like 7-Zip or ExtractNow are the way to go.

Think of it as choosing between unpacking boxes by hand or using a moving crew — both work, but one saves you a lot more time.

FAQs

Q1. Can Windows 11 extract multiple ZIP files without extra software?
Yes, using File Explorer’s Extract All option.

Q2. What’s the fastest way to unzip multiple files?
Using 7-Zip or WinRAR with the “Extract Here” option.

Q3. Do I need admin rights to extract ZIP files?
No, unless the files are in a system-protected folder.

Q4. Can I unzip multiple file types (RAR, 7z, TAR) at once?
Yes, but you’ll need a third-party tool like 7-Zip or PeaZip.

Q5. Is there a way to unzip files automatically after download?
Yes, you can set up a batch script or use tools like ExtractNow to auto-extract.