Use the built-in Files app: double-click a ZIP file to browse it, or right-click a folder in the archive and choose Extract all to unpack its contents into one folder. You do not need to install an app for the usual ZIP workflow.
Open or extract a ZIP file in Files
- Open the Files app from the Launcher.
- In the left sidebar, select where the archive is stored. Downloads is the default save location, but the archive may instead be in Google Drive or on a connected external storage device.
- Find the ZIP file and double-click it. ChromeOS displays the archive in the Files sidebar so you can browse its contents.
- To open one item, double-click that item inside the archive.
- To unpack a group of files, right-click the folder and select Extract all. ChromeOS extracts the group into a single folder.
Browsing and extracting are separate actions: opening the ZIP lets you access items inside it, while Extract all creates an unpacked folder.
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Find the ZIP if it is missing
Check the locations listed in the Files sidebar, especially Downloads, Google Drive, and any connected external device. Downloads is the default location, but download settings can be changed, so the file may have been saved elsewhere.
Supported archive formats and limits
Google’s Chromebook file-type help lists .zip and .rar as supported compressed file types. That listing does not establish support for every archive format, encryption method, or archive feature. If ChromeOS reports Unknown file type, Google says the Chromebook does not currently work with that file type. You can try saving the file to Google Drive or another web application and opening it in a browser, but that may not work for every archive.
#1 Best Overall
- Intel Celeron N4120: 4 Cores & Threads, 1.1GHz Base Clock, Up to 2.6GHz Boost Clock, 4MB Cache, Intel UHD Graphics 600. The perfect combination of performance, power consumption, and value helps your device handle multitasking smoothly and reliably with four processing cores to divide up the work.
Remove an opened archive from the sidebar
An archive that remains in the Files sidebar is mounted for browsing. Select its Eject control to remove it from the list. Ejecting removes the mounted archive from the sidebar; it is not described as deleting the ZIP file.
When to consider another app
For ordinary ZIP files, start with Files rather than installing a utility. Android file-manager apps are an optional alternative, but the Play Store is available only on some Chromebook models and may be blocked on school or work devices. If you cannot install an app or access a file on a managed Chromebook, your administrator may control those settings; contact them for help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- FOR HOME, WORK, & SCHOOL – With an Intel processor, 14-inch display, custom-tuned stereo speakers, and long battery life, this Chromebook laptop lets you knock out any assignment or binge-watch your favorite shows..Voltage:5.0 volts
- HD DISPLAY, PORTABLE DESIGN – See every bit of detail on this micro-edge, anti-glare, 14-inch HD (1366 x 768) display (1); easily take this thin and lightweight laptop PC from room to room, on trips, or in a backpack.
- ALL-DAY PERFORMANCE – Reliably tackle all your assignments at once with the quad-core, Intel Celeron N4120—the perfect processor for performance, power consumption, and value (2).
- 4K READY – Smoothly stream 4K content and play your favorite next-gen games with Intel UHD Graphics 600 (3) (4).
- MEMORY AND STORAGE – Enjoy a boost to your system’s performance with 4 GB of RAM while saving more of your favorite memories with 64 GB of reliable flash-based eMMC storage (5).
Rank #4
- THE BETTER WAY TO LAPTOP – Imagine a Chromebook that’s as flexible as your day: thin and lightweight with built-in Google apps and stress-free security.
- TAKE HITS KEEP MOVING – Sleek, light, and built to last- the Chromebook 2-in-1 is just 0.69” thick and 3.3lbs. Enjoy long-lasting battery life, fast charging, and military-grade durability for nonstop productivity wherever life takes you.
- PERFORMANCE THAT MATCHES YOUR HUSTLE – Fuel your ideas with an Intel Core processor and 128GB storage. Boot up in under 10 seconds to start the day powerfully efficient.
- FLEX YOUR CREATIVITY ANYWHERE, ANYTIME – Create, work, or unwind your way with a versatile 2-in-1 design. Flip easily between laptop, tent, and tablet modes with a responsive touchscreen built for flexibility.
- BRILLIANT VIEWS AND IMMERSIVE AUDIO – See, hear, and create with awesome clarity. The WUXGA display brings rich detail to your work and play, while audio tuned by Waves MaxxAudio provides immersive, balanced sound.
Rank #3
- Intel Processor Up to 2.80GHz, 4GB DDR4, 128GB Storage
- 15" FHD IPS Display, Intel UHD Graphics
- 1x USB Type C, 1 x USB Type A, 1x Headphone/Microphone Combo Jack, HDMI
- Fast WiFi and Bluetooth, Integrated Webcam
- Chrome OS, AC Charger Included, Pastel Silver
Rank #2
- Storage: 16GB Flash Memory
- OS: Chrome OS
- Screen Size: 11.6"
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