How to Use WinZip to Open Compressed Files

Even computer "newbies" can learn to use WinZip in just a few minutes.

WinZip is a software application that is used to create ZIP files for archival purposes as well as to extract compressed files from ZIP archives. The software is not free, but it is widely used and installed on millions of Windows PCs. WinZip has a variety of features not commonly found in similar products, but one feature that’s common to WinZip and all similar apps is the ability to open compressed files.

Things You'll Need

• WinZip software installed

Instructions

1. Launch WinZip. When the application screen opens, you'll see numerous large icons. Click “Open” to navigate to the file that you want to decompress.

2. Look for your files in the large pane below the icons on the menu bar.

3. Click on the “Extract” icon to open a new window offering a variety of options for unpacking your files. Chose a destination directory for the extracted file. Verify that the box next to “All Files and Folders” under the Files pane is checked.

4. Click the “Extract” button in the lower left corner of the Extract pane. WinZip will open and extract the selected files into the folder you specified.

References

• SeniorMag.com: Zipping and Unzipping Files Using WinZip
• Trinity University Computer Department: Tutorial – Using WinZip to Decompress Files

Resources

• WinZip Computing: Home Page
• WinZip Computing: Support