ExtractNow

ExtractNow is an application that extracts archives instantly without displaying additional windows. It comes bundled with 7-Zip and provides self-contained builds for both Windows x86 and ARM.

Features

• Open with double-click via file association or by drag & drop.
• Extracts to a sibling folder named after the archive (e.g., file.zip → file/).
• Resizable main window with automatic size persistence (optional restore-to-default on restart).
• Progress with live log and confirmation prompt before cancel.
• Settings window:
  • Choose bundled or custom 7-Zip path.
  • WIP Enable tray icon with live progress indicator during extraction.
  • Control window visibility on association launch and file size threshold.
  • Optionally open extracted folder automatically on completion.
  • Optionally close the app after successful extraction.
  • Set threshold for archives size to be ignored by ExtractNow, and to be opened in alternative ways instead - either File Explorer or 7-Zip.
  • Restore original window size on restart.
• "Open extracted folder…" button enabled after success.
• Always on top and Show notifications options.
• Keyboard shortcuts for quick access (Settings, Extract, Open Folder, Cancel, Exit).

Requirements

• Windows 10/11 (x64 or ARM64)
• No separate .NET install required (self-contained portable build)

Usage

• Run the app and drag & drop an archive or click Extract.
• To integrate with Explorer, use Settings to register per-user "Open with" for .zip, .7z, .rar (no default handler changes).

Keyboard shortcuts

• ctrl + , → Settings
• ctrl + o → Select archive
• ctrl + e → Open extracted folder
• ctrl + c → Cancel extraction
• ctrl + w → Exit
• esc → Close About or Settings window

Bundled 7-Zip

The repo includes a 7zip/ directory that’s copied next to the executable at publish time. The app auto-detects 7z.exe there. You can instead set a system 7-Zip path in Settings. When redistributing, keep the 7-Zip license/readme files intact.

Notes

• Portable builds include the .NET runtime; no install required.
• If an archive is corrupt or unsupported, 7-Zip returns non-zero; the app surfaces this in the log.