Compressing files into a ZIP folder is the easiest way to send multiple large files via email or upload them to the cloud. While third-party software like WinRAR or 7-Zip have historically been popular, Windows 11 has a robust, built-in ZIP compression tool that makes third-party apps completely unnecessary for basic archiving.
How to Zip Files in Windows 11
You can create a compressed ZIP folder directly from the Windows 11 File Explorer in just a few clicks.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the files or folders you want to compress.
- Highlight all the files you want to include in the ZIP file. You can do this by clicking and dragging your mouse over them, or by holding the Ctrl key while clicking individual files.
- Right-click on any of the highlighted files.
- In the new Windows 11 context menu, click on Compress to ZIP file. (Note: If you do not see this option, click “Show more options” at the bottom of the menu, then select “Send to” > “Compressed (zipped) folder”).
Windows will instantly create a new ZIP file in that exact same location. The file name will automatically be highlighted, allowing you to type a new name for the ZIP archive immediately. Press Enter to save the name.
How to Extract (Unzip) a File in Windows 11
When you receive a ZIP file, you can view its contents by simply double-clicking it. However, to actually use or edit those files properly, you must extract them first.
- Right-click the ZIP file you want to extract.
- Select Extract All… from the context menu.
- A window will appear asking where you want to save the extracted files. By default, it will create a new folder in the current location. Click Browse if you want to save them elsewhere.
- Check the box that says “Show extracted files when complete” if you want the new folder to open automatically.
- Click Extract.