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How to Fix the ZIP File Association in Windows 10
Give a try to our quick solutions now
3 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
ZIP is a compressed file format that you can archive files with inWindows 10. File Explorer is the default file manager utility for extracting and opening ZIPs in Windows.
However, third-partyfile archive softwarecan automatically replace Explorer as the default program for opening ZIPs. A third-party file archive utility can remain the default program for opening ZIPs even after uninstalling it.
As such, ZIP files might not open after uninstalling a default third-party file archive utility. Then you’ll have a broken ZIP file association. This is how you can fix the ZIP file association inWindows 10.
How can I fix the ZIP file association issues on Windows 10?
1. Reset to default apps
You can usually fix the ZIP file association by restoring File Explorer as the default utility forZIP archives.
The Settings app includes options for adjusting default apps. This is how you can quickly restore the default associations for all file formats with the Settings’Resetoption.
2. Use WinZip
WinZipis one of the most used compression tools for Windows 10. Aside from compressing, WinZip also allows you to manage, share, and back up your files. Based on our in-depth analysis, we would recommend that you use WinZip as the best alternative to the default app.
The formats that WinZip unzips are RAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ, ZIP, ZIPX, and more. The tool also allows you to share your files via several social media channels.
With WinZip, you have easy access to convert your PDF files, manage your archives, and integrate them with cloud services.
Here are some of the cons of using WinZip:
WinZip
3. Adjust the open with settings for ZIP files
4. Fix ZIP files with Remo Repair ZIP
If you still can’t open a ZIP, it might be the case that the specific ZIP file is corrupted. Try opening alternative ZIPs to see if they open.
Remo Repair ZIP is athird-party Windows utilitythat repairs corrupted ZIP files and recovers files from archives. You can try out a demo of that software by pressing theDownload Nowbutton onthis webpage.
When you’ve got Remo Repair up and running, you can click itsBrowsebutton to select a ZIP to repair. The software will weave its magic when you press theRepairbutton. Then you can choose a path to save the repaired file to.
Those are a fewWindows 10resolutions that will probably repair the ZIP file association so that you can open ZIPs in File Explorer.
Remember that Explorer only opens a few file archive formats, so it’s better to have a third-party archive utility if you need to open other archive formats such as RAR, GZ, WIM, etc.
More about the topics:file compression,windows 10 fix
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
