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ZDNET's key takeaways
- Zipping files enables users to organize their files more efficiently and expedite sharing.
- Windows 11's native tools enable users to compress multiple files and folders without additional software.
- There are also third-party options with unique and useful features.
Compressing files into a ZIP folder is a great way to bring order to your digital life. By bundling everything together into a small archive, you free up storage while keeping related content together. You can even safely delete the original, since a copy is preserved.
ZIP folders also make sharing large files much faster. Instead of waiting minutes for multi-gig downloads or uploads, compression cuts down on those transfer times to a fraction of what they'd be otherwise.
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Learning how to zip and unzip files is a basic skill every Windows 11 user should know. In the past, you would've had to install WinRAR or WinZip onto your computer, but those days are gone. Windows 11 has a built-in compression and extraction tool that handles everything for you.
Below, I'll guide you through the process of zipping and unzipping files and folders; no extra software or PowerShell commands are required.
How to zip a file
- Go to the file or folder you want to compress, then right-click it.
- In the context menu, hover over Compress to > ZIP File.
And that's it; you're done. Windows instantly creates a ZIP folder with the same name as the original. To rename it, simply right-click the ZIP file and select Rename.
- To zip multiple files at once, hold Ctrl while selecting each item, then click Compress to > ZIP File.
- You can also hold Shift and click two items on opposite ends of a row to select everything in between.
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Depending on your version of Windows 11 (I'm using Windows 11), you may also see options like 7z or TAR in the context menu. These are other archival formats. 7z offers a higher compression ratio, enabling smaller files, while TAR bundles multiple files together into a single container. If you're the average user, ignore these. They require special third-party software to extract, plus ZIP is a perfectly good format for most use cases.
How to unzip a file
- To unzip a compressed file, right-click it and select Extract All.
- Windows will then ask where you want the unzipped files to go. Choose a destination folder, then click Extract at the bottom.
It is possible to extract individual items without needing to unpack the entire archive. First, open the ZIP folder, then drag and drop the specific file (or files) into another folder, such as Pictures or Documents. The OS will automatically extract it to that location. One important note: if you're extracting a program or executable files, it's best to extract the entire ZIP folder.
Many executables rely on additional files within the same directory to function properly. Pulling out only the program without its supporting files can cause errors.
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Do I ever need to use third-party ZIP tools?
Windows 11 has a capable zip tool as part of its main kit; however, there are benefits to using third-party options.
7-Zip, for example, can extract the 7z and TAR files that I mentioned earlier and has the ability to lock files with a password. PeaZip is a good choice for security-focused users, thanks to its support of the AES-256 encryption standard and optional two-factor authentication. WinRAR offers unique features, including Record Recovery, which can restore damaged or deleted data.
Is it safe to open ZIP files?
Programmers and creators will upload their work onto public file-sharing sites, and these platforms are generally safe. If you have any reservations about something you've download, it's smart to scan it first.
Right-click the ZIP file, select Show more options > Scan with… The exact wording will depend on the antivirus software you have installed, like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.
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I have spent nearly a decade covering software and consumer tech, working everywhere from traditional office spaces to home setups. During these years, I have primarily been a Windows user, be it Windows 10 or 11. Additionally, during that same time period, I learned the value of basic file-management skills. Something as simple as compressing files helps you stay organized, prevent clutter, and improve your workflow.
My goal with this guide is to grow your skillset and confidence in using Windows 11. It's one of those skills that even the most advanced software, with all its bells and whistles, can't replace.
