How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (2024)


By Timothy Tibbetts

Windows 11 has made it easier than ever before to zip or unzip a file in Windows 11. Here's how you can easily manage your ZIP files in Windows 11.

While Windows 10 has the same feature, but it's harder to find. There's a good chance many people aren't aware that you can ZIP a file in Windows 10. Windows continues not to offer support for the many other archives available (7z, RAR, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, and WIM, to name a few). Of course, ZIP is the most popular compression format and has been for a very long time. Because of this, there are a few great freeware apps that people prefer. We recommend 7-Zip or PeaZip.

Video tutorial:

How to Unzip Files in Windows 11

Open File Explorer.

Click or double-click on the ZIP file you want to extract.

Click on Extract all found on the top-right.

You can extract the files at your current location (default) or choose a location by clicking Browse.

How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (1)

Optionally, you can choose to Show extracted files when complete. That will open a new File Explorer window.

Click Extract.

How to Zip Files in Windows 11

As we mentioned, Windows 11 makes zipping a file more obvious by making the options available in three locations.

Open File Explorer.

Click on the file you want to zip. Optionally use Ctrl+A to highlight multiple files.

Choose from one of the following options:

  • 1: The first option is to create a ZIP file that you can drag-and-drop files directly to. This method is handy if you want to move files from multiple locations into one ZIP file.

    Click on New in the top-left corner, and click on Compressed (zipped) Folder.

    A new folder will be created called New Compressed (zipped) Folder.zip. You can rename that folder to anything you like.

    Copy and paste, or drag and drop any files you want to your new zip file.

    How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (2)

    The following two options do the same thing; automatically add files to a ZIP file.

    Click on the file or files you want to add to your ZIP file.

  • 2: Click on the three dots in the top-right corner. Click on Compress to ZIP file. You can change the file name if you like now.
    How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (3)
  • 3: Right-click on the file or files you want to add to your ZIP. Click on Compress to ZIP file. You can change the file name if you like now.
    How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (4)

    Similar:

  • Extract, Expand or Create CAB Files With the Command-Line
  • How to Create Self-Extracting Archives on Windows 10
  • How to Add Extract All Context Menu for ZIP Files
  • How to Open and Use a Cab File in Windows
  • What Is a RAR File and How to Open Them
  • What is LZMA Compression? comments powered by Disqus
  • How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11 (2024)

    FAQs

    How to zip and unzip files in Windows 11? ›

    Right-click the file you want to zip, and then select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. Open File Explorer and find the compressed folder. To unzip the entire folder, right-click to select Extract All, and then follow the instructions.

    Does Windows 11 have a built-in zip program? ›

    Although you can always rely on third-party tools, Windows 11 ships with native support for zip and unzip files quickly.

    How do I extract the contents of a ZIP file in Windows? ›

    Extract/Unzip Zipped Files
    1. Right-click the zipped folder saved to your computer.
    2. Choose "Extract All..." (an extraction wizard will begin).
    3. Click [Next >].
    4. Click [Browse...] and navigate to where you would like to save the files.
    5. Click [Next >].
    6. Click [Finish].

    Why can't I ZIP a folder in Windows 11? ›

    The “Compress to ZIP file” option may not work because the Automatic Folder Type Discovery feature cannot identify the contents of a folder correctly. Then, modifying the folder's optimization settings may solve the Compress to ZIP file not working issue.

    Why can't I unzip a file on Windows? ›

    One of the most common reasons you can't extract ZIP files is file corruption. If the ZIP file itself is damaged or incomplete, Windows may struggle to extract its contents.

    What is the best zip program for Windows 11? ›

    The best file compression software of 2024 in full:
    1. WinZip. The original and best file compression tool. Our expert review: ...
    2. WinRAR. The best file compression software for RAR files. Our expert review: ...
    3. 7-Zip. The best free file compression software. Our expert review: ...
    4. PeaZip. Best free file compression tool for Linux.
    Jul 29, 2024

    Is WinZip free with Windows 11? ›

    Is WinZip free for Windows 11? On Windows 11, WinZip provides a 21-day free trial period. Once the trial period expires, users must purchase a WinZip license to continue using the software. This trial period allows users to evaluate the software and determine if it meets their needs before investing in a license.

    Does Windows come with unzip? ›

    Windows 10 has the in-built ability to zip or unzip files. They're called compressed folders.

    How do I change the default unzip program in Windows 11? ›

    How to change the default apps
    1. In the Settings app on your Windows device, select Apps > Default Apps, or use the following shortcut: Default Apps.
    2. To change a default app, you can do either of the following: Set a default for a file type or link type.

    How do I quickly extract multiple ZIP files? ›

    Extract Multiple Zip Files
    1. Step 1 Open WinZip.
    2. Step 2 Using WinZip's file pane select the file(s) you want to unzip.
    3. Step 3 Click Unzip.
    4. Step 4 Choose where you want to save the files to.

    How do I ZIP all files in a folder? ›

    Right-click on the file or folder.

    Select “Compressed (zipped) folder”. To place multiple files into a zip folder, select all of the files while hitting the Ctrl button. Then, right-click on one of the files, move your cursor over the “Send to” option and select “Compressed (zipped) folder”.

    How do you zip and unzip files on Windows 11? ›

    Do one of the following:
    • To unzip a single file or folder, open the zipped folder, then drag the file or folder from the zipped folder to a new location.
    • To unzip all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Extract All..., and then follow the instructions.

    Is zip unzip safe? ›

    Are Zip files dangerous? Zip files are not dangerous. However, it is essential to take caution when opening files you have imported from unknown sources or the files you have downloaded from the internet.

    What is the command to extract a ZIP file? ›

    Extract Zip files from the command line (replace [zip_filename. zip] with the name of your zip file)
    1. SSH / Telnet to the web server.
    2. Change to the directory where the zip file is located.
    3. Ensure that the zip file is in the correct location where it will be extracted.
    4. run: unzip [zip_filename.zip]

    How do I ZIP a file? ›

    Right-click on the file or folder.

    Select “Compressed (zipped) folder”. To place multiple files into a zip folder, select all of the files while hitting the Ctrl button. Then, right-click on one of the files, move your cursor over the “Send to” option and select “Compressed (zipped) folder”.

    How do I compress a ZIP file with a password in Windows 11? ›

    How to password-protect a ZIP file on Windows
    1. Right-click the ZIP file you want to protect with a password.
    2. Choose Properties and then Advanced.
    3. Select Encrypt contents to secure data.
    4. Click Apply.
    5. Decide which ZIP file elements you want to encrypt.
    Apr 25, 2024

    How do I convert a ZIP file to PDF in Windows 11? ›

    Step 1: Open the Adobe Acrobat, zip file to PDF converter on your PC. Step 2: Select 'File' from the toolbar and click on 'Create'. Step 3: Click on 'PDF from File' and choose the zip file that you want to convert. Step 4: After you have decided on your files click on 'Create' or 'Convert'.

    How to extract an exe file in Windows 11? ›

    Right-click on the EXE file and select "7-Zip" → "Open archive". This will open the EXE file in the 7-Zip archive explorer. If you don't have the 7-Zip options when you right-click on a file, open 7-Zip from the Start menu and then browse for the EXE file that you want to open. 7-Zip cannot open all EXE files.

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