A ZIP file is a compressed file format used to store and organize multiple files, folders, documents, etc. in a single file. The files within the ZIP archive are compressed, which allows them to be stored and downloaded faster than if they were sitting uncompressed on a hard drive or other storage device. There are various ways to view the contents of a ZIP file including using Windows File Explorer, command line tools, or an online unzipping tool.
Using Windows File Explorer
The simplest way to view the contents of a ZIP file is by using the Windows File Explorer. To open a ZIP file in Windows File Explorer:
1. On Windows 10, click the Start button and select “File Explorer” from the list of applications.
2. Navigate to the folder containing your ZIP file and double-click it.
3. The ZIP file will open and display its contents in a window with a list of files, folders, and other items.
4. You can then select any of the items in the list to view its contents.
Using Command Line Tools
You can use command line tools such as WinZip or 7-Zip to view the contents of a ZIP file. To do so:
1. Download and install WinZip or 7-Zip.
2. Open a command prompt window and navigate to the folder containing the ZIP file.
3. Type one of the following commands to display the contents of the ZIP file:
o For WinZip: winzip32 [ZIP file name]
o For 7-Zip: 7z l [ZIP file name]
4. Press Enter to execute the command.
5. A list of files, folders, and other items contained in the ZIP file will be displayed.
Using an Online Unzipping Tool
If you do not have access to WinZip or 7-Zip, you can use an online unzipping tool such as Unzip-Online or Zip-Files. To do so:
1. Go to the website of the unzipping tool of your choice.
2. Upload the ZIP file that you wish to view.
3. The files and folders contained in the ZIP file will be displayed in a list.
4. Select any of the items in the list to view its contents.