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Dustinkin's avatar
Dustinkin
Copper Contributor
May 14, 2026

How do I open or unzip a 7z file in Windows 11?

I downloaded a file that ends with .7z, but Windows 11 does not seem to open it when I double-click it. I expected it to work like a normal ZIP file, but I either get an error or Windows asks me to c...
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Robertoen's avatar
Robertoen
Copper Contributor
May 14, 2026

This is the most direct solution if you want to unzip 7zip file in Windows 11. Since an update in late 2023 (starting with Windows 11 version 22H2, build 22621.2361), Microsoft added native support for .7z files using the open-source libarchive project. You don't need to install anything for this to work.

Here's how to check if it's enabled:

  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Go to Apps > Optional features.
  • Scroll down or search to see if "Windows uncompress" (or just "Windows Archive") is listed. If it is, you're ready to go .

 

If it's not listed, click "View features" at the top, search for "Windows uncompress", check the box, and install it. You may need to restart File Explorer or your PC.

How to use it to unzip 7zip file in Windows 11:

Once enabled, simply right-click on any .7z file in File Explorer. You should see the standard "Extract All..." option in the context menu . Select a destination, and Windows will handle the extraction natively. 

It's free, secure, and works for the vast majority of standard .7z files.