When unzipping extracts files from a compressed ZIP archive, files can appear missing due to several key reasons. First, the original ZIP file might be incomplete or corrupted, often from a partial download or transfer error. Second, the extraction process itself might get interrupted by insufficient disk space, unexpected system shutdowns, or insufficient permissions preventing file creation. Third, extremely long file paths exceeding system limits (often 260 characters on Windows) can cause files to fail extraction silently. Unlike a successful unzip showing all files, failures result in only some files appearing.

Common examples include downloading a large software package: corrupted ZIPs cause crucial DLL files to be absent after extraction, rendering the software unusable. Large game mods or datasets might only extract partially if disk space runs out or long nested folder paths exceed the limit. Tools like WinRAR, 7-Zip, or built-in OS utilities might show warnings during extraction for these issues, but users might miss them.

While ZIP compression offers convenience for bundling files, its main limitation is the lack of robust built-in error recovery during extraction. Corrupted segments or system issues lead to missing files without clear notification. Always verify ZIP file integrity using checksums before unzipping if provided. Future developments could see wider adoption of more resilient archive formats or deeper OS integration managing path limits and extraction errors. Ensure adequate storage and temporarily disable aggressive antivirus scanning during extraction to mitigate issues.