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Short answer
In Folder Rules, add a File rule for the archive extension and choose Extract archive under Do this. Select a separate destination, leave original recycling off, and Preview before Save rule. Check Activity and open the extracted files; a preview match is not proof that an archive can be unpacked.
Before you start
- Folder Rules from Microsoft Store and Windows 11 24H2 or later on an x64 PC.
- A small watched folder and a separate empty destination on a fixed local NTFS drive, outside OneDrive, other cloud/sync folders and network shares. Check File system in the drive's Properties in File Explorer.
- A trusted, unencrypted sample ZIP containing two harmless text files. Use a copy, not your only original.
Start here
Choose the sample folder
Put the copied ZIP in the test folder. In Folder Rules, select Choose folder and choose that folder. Select Add rule and enter a Rule name such as Extract test ZIPs.
Match only ZIP files
Set Item type to File and enter zip in File extensions (optional). Leave Include subfolders off for the first test so the rule stays within this one folder.
Choose extraction and its destination
Under Do this, choose Extract archive. Select Choose destination and pick the separate empty destination outside the watched folder. Leave Name adjustment set to Keep the name and If the name already exists set to Keep both.
Keep the archive and preview
Leave Send the original archive to the Recycle Bin after verified extraction unchecked. Select Preview and confirm that only the copied ZIP matches and the destination is correct. Preview checks the rule's matches; it does not unpack or validate the archive.
Save and check both files
Select Save rule. Saving checks matching existing files as well as new arrivals once they are ready. Open Activity and inspect the actual extraction outcome. In the destination, find the extracted output folder and open both text files. Confirm the original ZIP is still in the watched folder.
Check your result
- Activity reports a completed extraction, not just a preview match or waiting item.
- Both extracted sample files open and contain the expected text.
- The original ZIP remains because recycling was left unchecked.
Add 7z or RAR after the first test
Once the ZIP example works, edit File extensions to zip,7z,rar if you want all three types. Preview again and try a trusted copied sample of each format you actually use.
An extension does not prove that a file is a valid archive. Do not automatically extract unknown downloads into a folder where you run programs or keep your only copies of important work.
If extraction stops or waits
Read the exact Activity outcome. A still-changing download, password-protected or damaged archive, unsupported content, lack of space or an extraction limit can prevent completion. Keep the original and address the stated cause; do not disable security limits to force extraction.
If Activity shows Password required, select Enter password for that archive and then Extract archive. If the password fails, verify it with the sender; an incorrect password or a damaged archive can produce the same error.
If integrity verification is unavailable or some date details cannot be applied, the app reports that limit and retains the original. Inspect the extracted contents before relying on them.
Optional original recycling
Only consider Send the original archive to the Recycle Bin after verified extraction after the sample works and you have a suitable backup. This is a separate opt-in, not a requirement for extraction.
Read Activity before assuming recycling finished. Keep retained originals and any recovery records when an outcome is incomplete or needs attention.
Folder Rules
View app detailsRelated guides
- Preview a file organization rule before saving
- Automatically organize downloaded files in Windows
- Rename matching files automatically on Windows