How to Fix ‘Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid’ Error on Windows 11?

Cannot Open the Compressed Zip Files on your Windows 11 PC. Here is the Simple Guide to Fix Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid Error for PC

Are you getting a ‘compressed (Zipped) folder is invalid’ error when you are trying to access a zipped folder on Windows 11? I have sorted some troubleshooting tips in this guide to fix the issue. A compressed file in Windows OS is a file format that is usually found in ZIP or RAR format. It takes up less space on a hard drive or auxiliary storage. Using a compression algorithm, the file size is reduced by removing redundant data.

The zipped folder invalid error may occur due to bugs on the Windows OS, File Explorer, or the MS Visual C++ package. There may be one or more corrupted system files in your PC that are causing the ‘Zipped folder is invalid’ error. Based on the type of item stored in a folder, the compressed folder may require some tweaking regarding its optimization. Without that, the folder may be deemed invalid when you try to open it.

Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid

Top Ways to Fix Compressed (Zipped) Folder Is Invalid Error on PC

Here are the easy troubleshooting methods that will help you gain access to the compressed folder on your Windows PC.

1. Install Windows OS Update

Start the troubleshooting by managing the bugs on Windows OS. Update the system to a newer build. To search for system updates,

  1. Open Windows settings by pressing Windows +I.
  2. On the left-hand panel, click on the tab Windows Update.
    click on Windows Update
  3. Click on Check for Updates.
    check for latest Windows updates
  4. Click on Download Now if the device finds a new system update.
    download windows 11 update

2. Close and Launch File Explorer

There may be some random technical issue with the File Explorer. It is better to restart the File Explorer and then access the compressed folder on your PC.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Escape hotkeys to launch the Task Manager.
  2. Under the Processes tab, navigate to File Explorer, right-click on it, and select the option Restart.
    restart windows explorer

3. Manage the Folder Optimization Settings

You have to optimize the compressed folder for the general items. It will fix the “compressed folder is invalid” error.

  1. Right-click on the compressed folder and select Properties.
    open properties of compressed folder
  2. Click on the Customize tab.
  3. Click the drop-down icon below “Optimize this folder for”.
  4. Set it to General items.
  5. Click on the checkbox Also apply this template to all subfolders.
  6. Close the steps by clicking on Apply > OK.
    change folder optimization settings
  7. Open the compressed folder.

4. Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Packages

To fix any problem with the Microsoft Visual C++ packages, you can repair them by accessing the Control Panel.

  1. Launch Control Panel.
    open control panel
  2. Click on Programs & Features.
    windows programs and features
  3. Among the list of installed programs, you will see a list of Visual C++ packages.
  4. Right-click on any of the Visual C++ packages.
    change microsoft visual library Windows
  5. Select Change, and from the pop-up, click on the option Repair.
    repair visual C plus plus library

Once the process completes, restart the PC and try to open the compressed folder. It should now open had it been the Microsoft Visual C++ package causing the folder invalid error.

5. Use the File and Folder Troubleshooter Tool

You can download the File and Folder Troubleshooter tool from Microsoft. On Windows 11, this tool doesn’t accompany the operating system natively. I have linked to the tool directly, which you can usually find on the Microsoft community forum.

  1. Download the File and Folder Troubleshooter Tool.
  2. Launch the tool by double-clicking on it from the Downloads folder of your PC.
  3. Click on Advanced.
    launch file and folder troubleshooter on Windows OS
  4. Then select the checkbox Apply Repairs Automatically and click Next to continue.
    apply repairs automatically on file and folder troubleshooter

The tool will start looking for problems with the compressed folder you are unable to open and fix it.

5. Search for Corrupt System Files Using SFC and DISM Scans

This system scan helps to detect corrupt files and get rid of them to fix any issues with zip folder on Windows PC.

  1. Open Command Prompt on your PC.
    windows 11 command prompt
  2. Enter the following command
    sfc/scannow

    perform system scan

  3. Press enter.
  4. Next, initiate the DISM scan by entering and executing the following commands one after another.
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth 
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth 
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

    perform DISM check

While these commands get executed, and the system is searching for possible corrupt system files and fixing them, you have to wait patiently. Depending upon the volume of files present on your Windows PC, the process may take some time to finish.

After following these fixes, I’m sure you can open all the compressed folders on your computer. No longer will you be bothered by the Zipped File is Invalid Error on Windows 11.

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Swayam Prakash
Swayam is a professional content creator with 6-years of experience in conceptualizing, creating, and managing tech-based content for notable online publishing firms. At DigitBin, he creates quality-rich and simple content related to Windows OS, Android, iOS, social media, cloud computing, and other general consumer technology. Contact Me on Linkedin

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