Unpack and create ZIP files
Unpack and create ZIP files
Decide when to extract a package and what bundling does not guarantee.
Recognise a bundled archive and work with an extracted copy.
A ZIP file is a package that can hold several files and folders together. It is convenient for sharing a group and can reduce some file sizes. Pictures or videos that are already compressed may barely shrink. A ZIP package is not proof that its contents are safe.
Make the choice that fits your task
How this works
Use an expected ZIP from a source you trust. Open File Explorer by holding Windows, pressing E and releasing. Find the ZIP file. Before opening an unexpected attachment, check with the sender through a known contact route.
Right-click the ZIP file once and click Extract All. Read the destination shown and choose a folder you can find again, then click Extract. Extraction creates ordinary files outside the package so apps can use them normally.
Open the extracted folder with two quick left clicks and inspect the file names before using anything inside. Keep the original ZIP until you have checked that the files you need were extracted successfully.
To bundle your own practice folder, right-click it, choose Show more options if necessary, then Send to and Compressed (zipped) folder. Newer menus may offer Compress to ZIP file. When its name box appears, type a useful name and press Enter once to confirm.
Check the package contents before sharing. Ordinary ZIP creation is not password protection. If Windows cannot open an encrypted archive, ask the trusted sender for a supported method rather than installing the first unpacking tool advertised.
An app cannot use a group of related files correctly while they are inside a downloaded ZIP. What should you try?
Extract the complete package to a known folder first
Check what you understand
In guided learning, click Start 3 questions to receive a selection from this lesson. Click the circle beside an answer, then click Check answer. Read the feedback and try again if needed. Click Next question after each correct answer. Answer all 3 correctly to continue.
Returning to guided learning keeps the questions and answers in your current attempt.
Read all 3 questions and explanations
A ZIP of JPEG photos is nearly as large as the originals. What does this suggest?
Answer: The photos were already compressed
ZIP may bundle them without much extra size reduction.
Does putting private files in a normal ZIP protect them with a password?
Answer: No, ordinary ZIP creation does not add password protection
Bundling files and protecting access are different tasks.
An unexpected ZIP arrives from a familiar-looking email address. What should you do before opening it?
Answer: Check with the sender using a known independent contact route
The package and sender display name do not establish safety.
Take this to your computer
- 1
Use a folder of harmless copies. In File Explorer, right-click it, choose Show more options if necessary, then Send to and Compressed (zipped) folder.
- 2
Right-click the new ZIP and click Extract All. Choose a new practice destination and click Extract. Open that new folder with two quick left clicks and compare its contents with the original. Keep important original files unchanged.
The lesson examples do not change your computer. On your PC, read each confirmation before continuing; available controls can vary.
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