- Download this app from Microsoft Store for Windows 10. See screenshots, read the latest customer reviews, and compare ratings for Zip Extractor Pro - Rar, Zip, 7Z Extractor.
- WinZip Self-Extractor is a utility that creates self-extracting ZIP files that are ideal for electronic file distribution, because they allow the recipient to use a familiar Windows interface to.
Zip file extractor free download - 7-Zip, Free Zip Extractor, Zip file extractor for Android, and many more programs.
WinZip Self-Extractor is a program that guides you through the process of creating both regular self-extracting Zip files and specialized ones for software distribution. With this program, you won't have to worry about the person you're sharing files with having the appropriate software to open them.
Pros
Clear walkthrough: This app makes it possible for even inexperienced users to complete what is a pretty complicated process by walking you through it step by step. Each screen contains clear instructions about what you need to do and why you're doing it, and tips help new users make the right choices as they move through the creation Wizard.
Customization options: If you do have some experience working with this type of program, you'll be glad to see all of the customization options available that let you control how your new file will behave. You can specify that it unzip to a specific folder, enter a command for the self-extracting file to execute once the unzip is complete, and use your own icon for the file, among many other things.
Cons
Trial limitations: The self-extracting files you create with the trial version of this app are not authorized for distribution. So you can really only use the program for free to get a feel for whether or not you want to purchase it. If you do decide to buy, a license costs $49.95.
Bottom Line
WinZip Self-Extractor is a great utility, if you often need to create self-extracting files, especially for software distribution. It makes the process accessible to users of all experience levels, but with the cost and features, it's really more advanced users who will probably get the most out of this app.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of WinZip Self-Extractor 4.0 build 8672.
What do you need to know about free software?
WinZip Self-Extractor is a program that guides you through the process of creating both regular self-extracting Zip files and specialized ones for software distribution. With this program, you won't have to worry about the person you're sharing files with having the appropriate software to open them.
Pros
Clear walkthrough: This app makes it possible for even inexperienced users to complete what is a pretty complicated process by walking you through it step by step. Each screen contains clear instructions about what you need to do and why you're doing it, and tips help new users make the right choices as they move through the creation Wizard.
Customization options: If you do have some experience working with this type of program, you'll be glad to see all of the customization options available that let you control how your new file will behave. You can specify that it unzip to a specific folder, enter a command for the self-extracting file to execute once the unzip is complete, and use your own icon for the file, among many other things.
Cons
Free Zip File Extractor Reviews 2017
Trial limitations: The self-extracting files you create with the trial version of this app are not authorized for distribution. So you can really only use the program for free to get a feel for whether or not you want to purchase it. If you do decide to buy, a license costs $49.95.
Bottom Line
WinZip Self-Extractor is a great utility, if you often need to create self-extracting files, especially for software distribution. It makes the process accessible to users of all experience levels, but with the cost and features, it's really more advanced users who will probably get the most out of this app.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of WinZip Self-Extractor 4.0 build 8672.
You probably heard the term 'zip' many times before. It's one of the most popular file formats that allows you to compress files to save space on your hard drive or to make it easier to send them over the internet.
Typically, you would use zip for archiving files you rarely use, or to send documents and pictures via email. In addition, zip is also commonly used to compress files and make them available for download on websites or through FTP servers.
Nowadays, lots of third-party software can handle zip compression, but if you're running Windows 10, you don't need to install extra software, because the OS supports zip natively.
In this Windows 10 guide, we'll walk you through the easy steps to zip and unzip files and save space on your computer's hard drive or just to make it easier to send them.
How to zip files to save hard drive space
To compress files using zip and save hard drive space, do the following:
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the location with the items you want to compress.
Right-click on an empty space, select New, and click Compressed (zipped) Folder.
- Type a descriptive name for the folder and press Enter.
- Select the files and folders you want to compress.
Right-click your selection, and choose Cut.
- Double-click the newly-created compressed folder.
Right-click it and select Paste.
You can always add more files to the zip folder by repeating steps 5, 6 and 7.
How to zip files to share with other people
If you're only trying to compress files to make it easier to send them over the internet, you can do the following:
- Open File Explorer.
- Navigate to the location of the items you want to compress.
- Select the files and folders you want to share.
Right-click your selection, select Send to, and click on Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Type a name for the compressed folder and press Enter.
Once you complete these steps, you can, for example, attach the zipped folder to email to share files with other people. After you sent the email, you can safely delete the zipped folder, because it only contains a copy of your original files.
Alternatively, you can select the items you want to send, and from the Share tab, click the Zip button to compress.
How to unzip files on Windows 10
Windows 10 supports zip natively, which means that you can just double-click the zipped folder to access its content — and open files. However, you always want to extract all the compressed files before using them.
If you don't unzip the files, you won't be able to edit and save the new content in the same document, and if you're trying to install a piece of software, the installation process won't start.
There are at least two ways to extract files from a zipped folder:
Use the Extract All wizard
To extract all the files from a zipped folder, do the following:
- Right-click the compressed (zipped) folder.
Select Extract All from the context menu.
- By default, the compressed files will extract in the same location as the zipped folder, but you can click the Browse button to select an alternative location.
Check the Show extracted files when complete option.
- Click Extract.
Using the File Explorer
To extract all or individual files from a zipped folder, do the following:
- Double-click the compressed (zipped) folder.
- Select the file or files you want to extract.
Right-click your selection and click Cut.
- Navigate to the location you want to unzip the files to.
Right-click and select Paste.
Alternatively, inside the zipped folder, you can select the items you want, and on the Extract tab, select the location to extract the files. If the location isn't listed, click the More button, and then click the Choose location button to find the correct folder.
Wrapping up
Although there are tons of third-party software options designed to compress files, which can also handle additional compression file formats, you'll find that Windows 10 includes all the necessary functionalities anyone needs to zip and unzip files.
Free Zip File Extractor Reviews Free
Do you use Windows 10 or another software to handle file compression? Let us know your preferences in the comments.
More Windows 10 resources
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For more help articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10, visit the following resources: