How to Zip and Unzip Files on Windows

/ How To Fix, Windows / By
Windows zip and unzip files illustration

Windows can create and open standard ZIP files without extra software. Zipping combines files into one compressed package for sharing or storage; unzipping extracts the original contents so you can use them normally.

This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11. Built-in support covers standard .zip files.

Does This Affect You?

Use the built-in ZIP tool when you need one attachment-friendly file or when someone sends you a normal .zip archive. For password-protected archives or other formats, you may need a dedicated compression app.

Create a ZIP File

  1. Open File Explorer and browse to the files or folders you want to compress.
  2. Select the items. Use Shift for a range or Ctrl for separate individual items.
  3. Right-click the selection.
  4. On Windows 11, choose Compress to ZIP file. It may appear under Show more options on some systems.
  5. On Windows 10, choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
  6. Type a name for the new ZIP file and press Enter.

Extract a ZIP File

  1. Right-click the .zip file in File Explorer.
  2. Choose Extract All.
  3. Review the destination folder. Windows usually suggests a new folder with the ZIP file’s name.
  4. Change the destination if you want the files somewhere else.
  5. Optionally keep Show extracted files when complete selected.
  6. Click Extract. Windows unpacks the contents and leaves the original ZIP in place.

ZIP File Notes

Password Protection Is Not Built In

File Explorer does not create encrypted or password-protected ZIP files. Use a trusted third-party archive tool if you need that feature.

RAR and 7Z Are Different Formats

Windows built-in ZIP support is for .zip files. If you receive .rar or .7z archives and File Explorer cannot open them, install a reputable archive tool that supports those formats.

You Can Browse Without Extracting Everything

Double-click a ZIP file to view its contents like a folder. You can copy out one file without extracting the entire archive.

Sources

  • Microsoft Support: Zip and unzip files
  • Microsoft Support: Compress or extract files
  • Microsoft Learn: File compression in Windows Explorer
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. I will only recommend products that I have personally used! Learn more on my Private Policy page.
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