How to extract ZIP and RAR files on Windows laptops and MacBooks. Use built‑in features or apps like WinRAR & 7‑Zip to open archive files.
Have you ever received files in ZIP, RAR, or 7z formats? These files are compressed to save storage space and speed up data transfer. However, in order to read their contents, you must first perform the extraction (decompress) process.
For those who are still confused, here is a complete guide on how to extract files on Windows laptops and MacBooks, using either built‑in features or third‑party applications.
How to Extract ZIP & RAR Files on a Laptop
1. How to Extract Files on Windows
- Steps:
- Open File Explorer and locate the ZIP file.
- Right‑click the file and select “Extract All…”.
- Select the destination folder, then click “Extract”.
- The file will automatically be copied to the newly created folder.
2. How to Extract RAR & 7z Files on Windows
- Steps:
- Make sure WinRAR or 7‑Zip is installed.
- Then right‑click the RAR/7z file you want to open.
- Choose “Extract Here” to extract in the same folder, or “Extract to…” to specify a particular folder.
- Wait for the process to complete and the file will be ready for use.
3. How to Extract Files on MacBook
- Steps:
- First, open Finder and locate the ZIP file.
- Then double‑click on the ZIP file.
- macOS will automatically extract the contents into a new folder in the same location.
- Done! You can directly access its contents.
4. How to Open RAR Files on MacBook
- Steps:
- Download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store.
- Then right‑click on the RAR file, select “Open With”.
- After that, select “The Unarchiver”.
- The file will automatically be extracted neatly.
Processing large files needs a consistent CPU performance. Should the laptop become sluggish during archive handling, it could be time to consider an upgrade.
FAQ
How do I extract a ZIP file on a Windows laptop without extra software?
You can use Windows’ built‑in feature by right‑clicking the ZIP file, choosing Extract All…, specifying the storage location, then clicking the Extract button.
Why can’t RAR files be extracted directly in Windows?
Windows only provides native support for ZIP files. To extract RAR or 7z archives, you’ll need a third‑party archiving tool such as WinRAR or 7‑Zip.
Is it possible to extract RAR files on a MacBook without additional apps?
No. macOS (Archive Utility) can only extract ZIP archives by default. To open and extract RAR files on a MacBook, you’ll need to install an extra application like The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store.
What’s the difference between “Extract Here” and “Extract to…” in WinRAR?
“Extract Here” will place all archive contents directly in the folder where the file resides. “Extract to…” creates a new folder named after the archive, keeping its contents separate and tidy.
Why does extracting files on a laptop sometimes take a very long time?
Extraction speed depends heavily on file size, the number of files inside, as well as the laptop’s processor performance and storage read/write speeds (SSD/HDD).
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