Alex Ruben
How To Download and Unzip a ZIP File from GitHub in 2025
Downloading a ZIP file from GitHub and extracting its contents is kinda essential for anyone messing around with open-source repos or just grabbing some code snippets. Sometimes, the process just isn’t as straightforward as clicking “download,” especially if GitHub’s interface decides to act up. Here’s what usually helps based on experience.
Prerequisites
Make sure you’ve got:
- A web browser like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
- A computer running Windows or macOS — Linux works too, but that’s another story.
- Basic file management skills (you know, open folders, right-click&etc).
Step 1: Head over to the GitHub repository
Just punch in the URL or search for the repo. It’s pretty straightforward — no magic there. When you’re on the repo’s main page, it’s usually loaded with files, but what you want is the Code button, which is typically a green button at the top right. Sometimes it’s hidden or not obvious, but it’s there. Clicking that reveals options.
Step 2: Find the Download ZIP button
Clicking Code drops down a menu. Here’s where things can get weird — sometimes the Download ZIP link is right there, other times it’s hiding behind other options. If it’s not visible, double-check that you’re at the main branch and not inside some subfolder or a fork. On some setups, clicking the menu opens up a lot of options, but the Download ZIP is usually at the bottom or on the side. It’s a link, not a button—so click it.
Step 3: Save the ZIP file
Your browser will ask where to save. Pick somewhere easy to remember — probably your desktop or downloads folder. Sometimes, depending on your browser’s settings, it auto-saves somewhere else, so keep an eye out. On Chrome, for example, clicking Save just puts the ZIP there. Not sure why, but sometimes it takes a second for the download to start, especially with bigger repos.
Step 4: Find and unzip the downloaded ZIP
Once downloaded, navigate to the folder where the ZIP landed. Right-click it. On Windows, select Extract All; on macOS, just double-click the ZIP, and it’ll unzip automatically. But, here’s a heads-up — some Windows setups might throw a tantrum if the ZIP file is large or if the extraction tool gets quirky. If you don’t see Extract All, you might need to install a tool like [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/) or WinRAR, especially if you’re dealing with a tricky archive.
Step 5: Pick a destination folder and extract
A window pops up asking where you want to put the extracted files. Choose a folder that you’ll remember. It’s helpful to create a specific folder for the project right away. Click Extract. Sometimes, on some machines, the extraction might fail or be slow — guessing it’s some weird Windows quirk or just disk permissions. After a few tries, everything tends to work.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are a few things that trips people up:
- If the Download ZIP option is missing, sometimes it’s a permissions thing — you need access to view the repo as public, or maybe it’s a private repo. Ensure you’re logged in if needed.
- For massive repositories, the download might hang or timeout — patience is a virtue here.
- If extraction fails, try [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/) or [WinRAR](https://www.rarlab.com/). Windows’ built-in extractor isn’t always cool with big or corrupt ZIP files.
- Sometimes, the GitHub page jumps around or the button is missing if your browser cache is acting weird. Refresh or try incognito mode.
Conclusion
Now you get how to pull a ZIP from GitHub and get that code on your local machine. Doesn’t seem like much, but honestly, this trip can be a bit frustrating if GitHub’s interface or your system decides to be uncooperative. Once you’ve got the files unzipped, you can jump into opening or editing them with your favorite code editor, like Visual Studio Code or Sublime Text.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grab multiple repos at once?
Nope. GitHub doesn’t do bulk ZIP downloads, so you gotta do each one separately. Bummer, I know.
What if the Download ZIP button isn’t showing?
Could be a permission thing or a private repo. Make sure you’re logged in and that the repo is public. Sometimes, certain branches don’t have the button either, especially if they’re protected.
How do I open the files after unzipping?
Just go to the folder, right-click a code file, and pick your editor — VSCode, Atom, whatever you prefer. Easy enough.
Summary
- Head to the repo, find the Code button, click it.
- Select Download ZIP.
- Save and navigate to the downloaded ZIP.
- Right-click, choose Extract All or use 7-Zip or WinRAR if needed.
- Pick a folder, extract, and start exploring the code.
Hopefully this shaves off a few hours for someone. Sometimes, it’s the little things, right?