How to Stop Windows 11 From Opening ZIP Folders Automatically

Method 1The Quick Fix Using the Extraction Wizard

Using the built-in extraction wizard is the easiest way to stop Windows 11 from opening ZIP folders automatically after you extract the files. Right-click any ZIP file, choose Extract All, and uncheck the box that shows extracted files when complete. Windows remembers this choice for next time, so you will not see those extra windows popping up anymore.

1. Find any .zip file on your computer, right-click it, and choose Extract All… from the menu. This opens the built-in Windows extraction wizard.
2. Look right at the bottom of the extraction window. You will see a checkbox that says Show extracted files when complete.
3. Click that checkbox to clear the checkmark and turn off the feature. Windows will remember this choice for future extractions.
4. Choose your destination folder and click the Extract button as you normally would.

Method 2Dive Into the Registry Editor for Deeper Control

The Windows Registry Editor gives advanced users and system administrators deeper control to stop ZIP folders from opening automatically across the entire operating system. By opening the Registry Editor using the Run command and changing specific system rules, you can permanently disable the extra extraction window for all user accounts on the computer at once.

1. Press the Win+R on your keyboard to open the Run box. Type regedit into the text field and press Enter.
2. If a User Account Control prompt pops up asking if you want to let the app make changes, click Yes to continue.
3. Use the left sidebar to navigate through the folders until you reach this exact address: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ExtractionWizard
4. If you do not see a folder named ExtractionWizard at the end of that path, right-click the Explorer folder, select New, and then click Key. Name that new key ExtractionWizard.
5. Click on the ExtractionWizard folder, look at the empty space on the right side of the screen, right-click, choose New, and select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
6. Name this new value exactly ShowExtractedFiles and press Enter.
7. Double-click your newly created ShowExtractedFiles value to open its settings box. Make sure the Base is set to Hexadecimal, and type 0 into the Value data box to turn off the pop-up window. (If you ever want to turn it back on, you can change this value to 1).
8. Click OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your 🔄 computer or restart Windows Explorer 📁 in Task Manager 📊 to save the change.

Method 3Automate the Change With PowerShell

PowerShell lets IT administrators automate the process of stopping Windows 11 from opening ZIP folders automatically across multiple machines without clicking through manual menus. By running a quick command with administrator privileges in PowerShell, you can apply this system setting instantly and save a lot of time when setting up new computers for a team.

1. Click your Start button, type PowerShell, and select Run as administrator so the tool has the permissions it needs to change system settings. (Requires administrator privileges)
2. To turn off the automatic pop-up window completely, copy and paste this command into the window and press Enter:

   💻Code

   Copy

   New-Item -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ExtractionWizard" -Force
   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ExtractionWizard" -Name "ShowExtractedFiles" -Value 0

3. If you ever need to change it back and turn the pop-up window on again, run this command instead:

   ⬛PowerShell

   Copy

   Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\ExtractionWizard" -Name "ShowExtractedFiles" -Value 1

Tip: Network administrators can add these commands into startup scripts or deployment tools. This makes sure every work laptop or shared computer behaves the same way without requiring manual setup from users.

Summary

Stopping Windows 11 from opening ZIP folders automatically is easy using the built-in extraction wizard for a quick fix, the Registry Editor for deep system control, or PowerShell for automated setup across multiple computers. Each method stops those annoying extra windows from popping up so you can manage your compressed files without the extra clutter.