Microsoft Enhances Zip Extraction Speed In Windows 11

Microsoft has announced exciting updates for File Explorer as part of the latest Windows 11 Preview Build, aimed squarely at improving speed and performance when extracting zip files. This update, officially designated as Build 27818, was released to Insiders on the Canary Channel on March 21, 2025, and represents a significant leap in the ongoing effort to optimize the handling of archived files.

One of the most critical enhancements included in this build is the performance boost for extracting zip files, particularly when dealing with larger archives that contain numerous small files. Microsoft quietly noted this improvement in the changelog, stating, "Did some more work to improve the performance of extracting zipped files in File Explorer, particularly where you're unzipping a large number of small files." Users who regularly work with large zip files will likely appreciate this development, as it promises a more efficient experience while managing their archives.

This update builds on several archive handling improvements that Microsoft has been rolling out since last year. These earlier updates introduced native support for opening and viewing various compressed file formats, including RAR, 7z, and TAR. However, it's essential to note that extracting these formats still relies on external utilities, meaning users have not yet seen complete integration within File Explorer.

In addition to enhancing zip file extraction, Build 27818 brings another notable change: the removal of the 'suggested actions' pop-ups that would appear when users copied phone numbers or future dates to the clipboard. This feature previously offered users the option to quickly create a calendar event or launch a dialer app for copied content, primarily using Skype. However, Microsoft has decided to phase out Skype completely, with plans to shut down the service on May 5, 2025, in an effort to push users toward its Teams platform instead.

The removal of suggested actions has sparked dissatisfaction among some users, who found this feature convenient. Still, the overall reception to the updates regarding zip file extraction appears promising. Given the prevalent use of zip files and the frustrations surrounding their management, this improvement could significantly enhance productivity for users who frequently deal with compressed archives.

As always, Microsoft aims to innovate and enhance its platforms continually, with this update being a testament to its responsiveness to user feedback. If you've had the opportunity to test the new Build 27818, Microsoft encourages you to share your experiences and whether you have noticed any improvements in the zip extraction process.

For those following Microsoft's ongoing evolution of Windows 11, it's clear that these updates are part of a larger strategy to refine the user experience and ensure that File Explorer remains competitive as a file management tool. On the Insider blog, Microsoft has published a comprehensive rundown of all the changes included in the latest build, leaving many anxious to see how future updates may continue to shape the Windows experience.

Overall, with the latest changes aimed at improving zip file extraction, Microsoft is positioning its Windows 11 platform to better meet the needs of users who rely heavily on efficient file management. The enhancements to File Explorer, while removing some features, reflect a significant step toward a faster and more responsive operating system.