How to Unzip Multiple Folders at Once on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Managing multiple ZIP files one by one can be a real time-waster, especially when dealing with large archives or bulk downloads. Whether you’re organizing project files, unpacking downloaded resources, or managing backups, unpacking several ZIP folders at once on Windows 11 is much faster than doing them individually.

This guide will walk you through how to unzip multiple folders at once on Windows 11 step by step, using both built-in methods and third-party tools.

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Why Unzip Multiple Folders at Once?

Here are some common reasons why you might need this feature:

• Save time: Extracting dozens or hundreds of files manually is inefficient.

• Batch processing: Ideal for software developers, designers, or anyone managing multiple archives.

• Reduce errors: Manual extraction increases the chance of skipping files.

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Does Windows 11 Have a Built-in Batch Unzip Feature?

By default, Windows 11 supports ZIP files natively, but it doesn’t include a direct “batch extract” feature. You can open and extract each ZIP individually, but to automate multiple extractions, you’ll need to use a manual method or a third-party tool.

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Method 1: Manually Unzip Multiple Folders (Built-in Option)

Although not fully automated, you can do it faster this way:

1. Select all the ZIP files you want to extract (Ctrl + Click or Shift + Click).

2. Right-click and choose Extract All.

3. Select a destination folder.

4. Click Extract for each archive.

This works, but you still need to confirm each archive individually.

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Method 2: Use PowerShell for Batch Extraction

Windows PowerShell provides a powerful built-in way to automate the process.

Steps:

1. Place all ZIP files in a single folder.

2. Right-click the folder → Open in Terminal (PowerShell).

3. Enter the following command:

   $zipfiles = Get-ChildItem -Path . -Filter *.zip
foreach ($zip in $zipfiles) {
Expand-Archive -Path $zip.FullName -DestinationPath "$($zip.BaseName)"
}


4. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.

Each ZIP file will be extracted into its own folder with the same name.

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Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools (Recommended)

If you frequently need to unzip multiple files, dedicated software is faster and easier.

Popular Tools:

• 7-Zip (Free & Open Source)

• WinRAR

• PeaZip

Using 7-Zip:

1. Download and install 7-Zip.

2. Select all the ZIP files.

3. Right-click → 7-Zip → Extract to “**”.

4. Each archive extracts into its own folder automatically.

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Method 4: Use Batch Script for Automation

If you often deal with bulk ZIPs, a batch script can automate the task.

1. Open Notepad.

2. Paste the following code:

   @echo off
for %%i in (*.zip) do (
mkdir "%%~ni"
tar -xf "%%i" -C "%%~ni"
)
pause


3. Save as unzip_all.bat in the folder with your ZIP files.

4. Double-click it to extract all at once.

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Method 5: Extract Multiple Folders Using File Explorer Add-ons

Some third-party add-ons integrate directly with Windows Explorer and offer “Extract Here” for multiple archives. Tools like Bandizip or Ashampoo ZIP Free work this way.

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How to Handle Large Batch Extractions

• Ensure enough storage space: Unzipping may temporarily double storage usage.

• Close unnecessary apps: Improves extraction speed.

• Use SSD instead of HDD: Extraction is faster on solid-state drives.

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Common Problems and Fixes

• Some ZIPs fail to extract?

  • They may be corrupted—use a repair tool like WinRAR.

• Extraction takes too long?

  • Disable real-time antivirus scanning temporarily (if safe).

• Different password-protected archives?

  • Batch extraction won’t work without entering each password.

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Advantages of Using Third-Party Tools Over Built-in Options

• Faster batch processing.

• Better compression support (RAR, 7z, TAR, etc.).

• Ability to set extraction rules (e.g., overwrite existing files).

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Final Thoughts

Unzipping multiple folders at once in Windows 11 isn’t complicated—you just need the right approach. While the built-in method works for small batches, PowerShell, batch scripts, or third-party tools like 7-Zip save far more time and effort when dealing with large numbers of archives.

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FAQs

1. Can Windows 11 unzip multiple folders natively?
Not directly, but you can extract them one by one or use PowerShell for batch extraction.

2. Is 7-Zip better than WinRAR for batch extraction?
Yes, 7-Zip is free, lightweight, and supports more formats.

3. Will batch extraction overwrite existing files?
Depends on the tool—most will ask for confirmation.

4. Can I unzip password-protected files in bulk?
Only if they share the same password.

5. Does extracting multiple files slow down my computer?
It may temporarily use more CPU and disk resources, but it won’t harm your PC.

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