# Importing a site exported from LocalWP doesn't work on Windows

**URL:** <https://community.localwp.com/t/importing-a-site-exported-from-localwp-doesnt-work-on-windows/38580>\
**Category:** Support\
**Tags:** windows, site-export, site-import, mac\
**Created:** [August 14, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.localwp.com/t/importing-a-site-exported-from-localwp-doesnt-work-on-windows/38580 "2023-08-14T16:01:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![MikeAtHanson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7c8e57/32.png) [@MikeAtHanson](https://community.localwp.com/u/MikeAtHanson)\
**Post date:** [August 14, 2023, 4:01pm UTC](https://community.localwp.com/t/importing-a-site-exported-from-localwp-doesnt-work-on-windows/38580/1 "2023-08-14T16:01:00Z")

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I have a site setup on LocalWP running on Mac, when I use the LocalWP export feature it creates a zip file which I can import fine on any other Mac using LocalWP import. However, when attempting to import the same site on a Windows machine we get the “Unsupported Zip” error.

Any ideas what would cause this?

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### What steps can be taken to replicate the issue? Feel free to include screenshots, videos, etc

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### System Details

- **Local Version:**

Mac LocalWP Version: 7.1.2+6410  
Windows LocalWP Version: v7.1.0+6396

- **Operating System (OS) and OS version:**

Mac Machine: 16-inch, 2021 - 13.4.1 (c) (22F770820d)  
Windows Machine: Windows 11

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### Local Logs

Attach your Local Logs here ([Help Doc - Retrieving Local’s Log](https://localwp.com/help-docs/troubleshooting/retrieving-locals-log-file/))

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_ **Security Reminder** _  
Local does a pretty good job of scrubbing private info from the logs and the errors it produces, however there’s always the possibility that something private can come through. Because these are public forums, always review the screenshots you are sharing to make sure there isn’t private info like passwords being displayed.

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**Author:** ![Nick-B](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/community.localwp.com/nick-b/32/16140_2.png) [@Nick-B](https://community.localwp.com/u/Nick-B)\
**Post date:** [August 15, 2023, 2:58pm UTC](https://community.localwp.com/t/importing-a-site-exported-from-localwp-doesnt-work-on-windows/38580/2 "2023-08-15T14:58:47Z")

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Hi @MikeAtHanson!

There might be something in the export file that is confusing Local when it tries to re-import it. You might have to open the file and reduce it down to the essentials (wp-content and sql).

> [@Can't import zips from export that Local created!](https://community.localwp.com/t/cant-import-zips-from-export-that-local-created/38546/4):
>
> I created a zip file with the bare minimums and got it to launch in Local. Problem is that every link is a 404. The admin interface seems to be alright, and the front page loads with all the correct images/CSS/etc. But if I click on anything, it gives me a 404. On top of that, if I try to update a post or page, I get an error that says “Updating failed. The response is not a valid JSON response.” EDIT: I solved this by going to the Permalinks section in Settings and simply clicking “Save” - whi…

This is something we are looking into as it definitely could be a bit more seamless. Let us know if you’re still having any trouble!

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![system](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex019/user_avatar/community.localwp.com/system/32/1_2.png) [@system](https://community.localwp.com/u/system)\
**Post date:** [November 13, 2023, 2:59pm UTC](https://community.localwp.com/t/importing-a-site-exported-from-localwp-doesnt-work-on-windows/38580/3 "2023-11-13T14:59:13Z")

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