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How to Fix “Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid” Error on Windows 11

Quick Tips
  • File corruption is a likely cause of the problem, and using Microsoft’s File and Folder troubleshooter should fix this.
  • Also, the built-in SFC and DISM could fix corruption in the downloaded file and remove the problem.

Basic Fixes:

  • Download the file from a different source: You may have downloaded a corrupted file, so downloading it from a different source can fix the issue.
  • Disable third-party file archives: If you use third-party archives, disable them and use the built-in Windows 11 archive features.
  • Restart File Explorer: File Explorer is an essential Windows tool for accessing files and folders stored on your computer. However, due to a minor glitch or bug in File Explorer, you might experience the error and need to restart it.

Fix 1: Use File and Folder Troubleshooter

File and Folder troubleshooter helps fix any issue related to files and folders. Unfortunately, the troubleshooter isn’t built into Windows 11. You can download it on your computer, then follow the steps below.

Step 1: Launch the File and Folder troubleshooter and click Advanced.

Advanced option in troubleshooter

Step 2: Check the Apply repairs automatically box and click Next.

Apply repairs automatically option in Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter will start scanning the files and folders for any issues and fix them automatically.

Fix 2: Edit the Folder Optimization Settings

Windows allows you to optimize the folder according to the content stored in it. However, if you’ve optimized your zip folder for any other item type, you might encounter the error. You may optimize the folder for general items, covering all types of content. Here’s how to do that:

Step 1: Right-click on the problematic zip folder and choose Properties.

Step 2: Switch to the Customize tab.

Customize option in Properties

Step 3: Click the drop-down icon under Optimize this folder for option and choose General items.

Optimize this folder for option in Properties

Step 4: Check the Also apply this template to all subfolders box.

Step 5: Click Apply > OK.

Fix 3: Try Using 7-Zip or WinRAR

If you do not already have a third-party archiver, download 7-Zip or WinRAR on Windows 11 as a last resort.

Once downloaded, right-click on the problematic file and click the 7-Zip or WinRAR option to access it. The problem should be resolved.

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Last updated on 30 July, 2024

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