How to Extract Encrypted Archives in macOS 13

In macOS 13 (Ventura), you can extract password-protected archive files without installing third-party software by using the built-in Terminal application. While the default graphical tool, Archive Utility, frequently fails to unpack encrypted formats, macOS includes native command-line utilities capable of decrypting standard ZIP files and mounting encrypted Apple disk images seamlessly.

Extracting Encrypted ZIP Archives via Terminal

The native unzip command-line tool can unpack password-protected ZIP archives directly:

  1. Open Terminal (press Cmd + Space, type "Terminal", and press Return).
  2. Type unzip (with a space after the command).
  3. Drag and drop the encrypted .zip file from Finder into the Terminal window to automatically populate its file path.
  4. If you want the files extracted to a specific folder, append -d /path/to/destination. If omitted, files will extract to your current working directory (usually your user folder).
  5. Press Return.
  6. When prompted with [password]:, type the archive's password and press Return. The characters will remain hidden as you type for security.

The contents will decrypt and extract immediately into the designated folder.

Handling Encrypted Disk Images (DMG)

If the protected file is an encrypted Apple disk image (.dmg), macOS 13 natively supports it through both the graphical interface and the command line:

  • Graphical: Double-click the .dmg file in Finder, enter the password in the system prompt, and access the mounted volume from your desktop or Finder sidebar.
  • Command Line: Run hdiutil attach /path/to/image.dmg in Terminal, then enter the password when prompted.

Format Limitations

macOS 13 does not have native decoders for proprietary or non-standard archive formats such as encrypted .rar or .7z files. If you need to open password-protected RAR or 7-Zip archives, the operating system lacks the underlying libraries to decrypt them without third-party tools.