How do I extract a compressed file in Windows?

There are a variety of ways to extract a compressed file in the Windows operating system. Depending on the type of file, the steps may vary.

1. Extract ZIP files

Using Windows File Explorer

i. Open the File Explorer, and then search for the zipped file.

ii. Right-click the file, and then select Extract All.

iii. The Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders window will appear; specify the destination folder where the unzipped file should be placed.

iv. Click Extract.

Using WinZip

i. Download and install WinZip.

ii. Locate the zipped file, and then double-click it to open the Zip window.

iii. Select the Extract tab, and then choose the destination folder where the unzipped file should be placed.

iv. Click Extract.

2. Extract RAR files

Using WinRAR

i. Download and install WinRAR.

ii. Locate the RAR file, and then double-click it to open the WinRAR window.

iii. Select the Extract To button, and then choose the destination folder for the extracted files.

iv. Select the Rename button to rename the extracted file if desired.

v. Click OK to extract the files.

3. Extract 7-Zip files

Using 7-Zip

i. Download and install 7-Zip.

ii. Locate the 7z file, and then right-click it and select 7-Zip > Extract here.

iii. A folder will appear in the same location as the 7z file; this contains the extracted files.

iv. Type the name of the extracted file if desired, and then press Enter to confirm.

4. Extract GZ files

Using 7-Zip

i. Download and install 7-Zip.

ii. Locate the GZ file, and then right-click it and select 7-Zip > Extract here.

iii. A folder will appear in the same location as the GZ file; this contains the extracted files.

iv. Type the name of the extracted file if desired, and then press Enter to confirm.

5. Extract ISO files

Using 7-Zip

i. Download and install 7-Zip.

ii. Locate the ISO file, and then right-click it and select 7-Zip > Extract here.

iii. A folder will appear in the same location as the ISO file; this contains the extracted files.

iv. Type the name of the extracted file if desired, and then press Enter to confirm.

6. Extract TAR files

Using 7-Zip

i. Download and install 7-Zip.

ii. Locate the TAR file, and then right-click it and select 7-Zip > Extract here.

iii. A folder will appear in the same location as the TAR file; this contains the extracted files.

iv. Type the name of the extracted file if desired, and then press Enter to confirm.