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How to unzip downloaded zip files automatically on Windows

Use KeyRoutines' Download finished trigger filtered to *.zip, then Unzip file with the destination left empty so it makes a folder named after the zip. Delete to Recycle Bin removes the zip, and Open file or folder shows you what came out.

Steps

  1. 1

    Watch for zips

    Add Download finished with the pattern *.zip. It waits until the browser has truly finished.

  2. 2

    Extract it

    Add Unzip file with the trigger's file and the destination left empty.

  3. 3

    Bin the zip

    Add Delete to Recycle Bin for the downloaded zip.

  4. 4

    Open the folder

    Add Open file or folder with the extracted folder from Unzip file's outputs.

Tips

  • Unzip file refuses archives that would put files outside the chosen folder.
  • Every extracted file and the deleted zip are recorded, so Undo file moves on the run's page puts everything back.

Questions

Can it skip zips from some sites?
Yes. Download finished can filter by the site the file came from in its advanced options.
Does it open 7z or rar files?
No. Unzip file handles zip archives only.

Blocks this routine uses

Trigger · FilesFree

Download finished

Download finished starts a routine when a new file has completely downloaded. It waits until the browser is really done, so your steps never grab a half-written file.

Step · FilesFree

Unzip file

Unzip file extracts a zip archive into a folder. Leave the destination empty and it creates a folder named after the zip, right next to it.

Step · FilesFree

Delete to Recycle Bin

Delete to Recycle Bin removes one item, or every item in a folder that matches a name pattern, by putting it in the Recycle Bin. It is the safe way to automate clean-ups because nothing is gone for good.

Step · FilesFree

Open file or folder

Open file or folder opens something on your PC as part of a routine. Use it to bring up today's notes, a project folder, or the file a trigger just found.

More how-to guides

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