How do I Open a ZIP File in Microsoft Word?

Unzip your compressed Word documents.

A ZIP file is a compressed version of a regular computer file. It is mainly used for reducing a file's size for quicker download speeds or for attaching to emails. Files can be "zipped" or "unzipped" very easily by using built-in Microsoft and Macintosh applications. Many people choose to ZIP Word documents because they can be significantly reduced in size compared with other types of files. Opening a compressed Word document in Microsoft Word will take less than five minutes.

Instructions

Windows

1. Locate the ZIP file on your computer using Windows Explorer.

2. Right click the file and select "Extract." Windows Explorer will unzip the file, creating a new version in the same folder as the zipped version.

3. Double-click the Word document to open it in Microsoft Word.

Macintosh OS X

1. Locate the ZIP file on your computer using Finder.

2. Hold down "CTRL" and click the file. Select "Open With" then "Archive Utility."

3. Wait as the Archive Utility unzips the file. The uncompressed version will be placed in the same folder as the original.

4. Double-click the unzipped Word document to open it in Word.

References

• File Info: ZIP Files
• Microsoft Office: Zip or Unzip a File