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Before you start
- Folder Rules from Microsoft Store on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64. Automatic actions need an active trial or full license; Preview can be used during setup.
- 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 PDFs. Use a copy for this first test.
Using the free trial? You can prepare rules and use Preview before its seven-day timer starts. Activating a valid, ready rule or resuming automation with one starts the shared period; Pause and closure do not stop the clock. How the free trial works.
Follow these steps
Choose a sample ZIP
Put the copied ZIP in your test folder. This example uses Sleep research.zip with two research PDFs inside. In Folder Rules, choose that folder, select Add rule and enter a name such as Extract research 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.
Choose extraction and keep the original archive. Enlarge image. - Choose Extract archive.
- Leave recycling off for the first test.
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.
Check the matching ZIP and its destination. Enlarge image. Save and open the extracted files
Select Save rule. If the app is paused, choose Resume when ready. Read the result in Activity, then open the destination folder and both extracted PDFs. The original ZIP should remain because recycling was left off.
Check your result
- Activity reports a completed extraction, not just a preview match or waiting item.
- Both extracted PDFs open and contain the expected pages.
- The original ZIP remains because recycling was left unchecked.
If you need more help
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.
Need the app?
Folder Rules. Check requirements and download options.