If you’re like most people, you probably use Windows 10 to store and access your files. But there are a few things you can do to make your life easier when it comes to zip and unzip files on the computer. First, open the File Explorer window and click on the three lines in the top left corner of the window. This will show you a list of all the files in your current directory. You can right-click on any of these files and select “Open with…” from the menu that pops up. Now, if you want to zip or unzip a file, just click on it and then select “Zip” or “Unzip.” If you want to zip a file that’s already been zipped, just drag it into the Zip folder in File Explorer and then select “ZIP.” If you want to unzip a file that’s already been unzipped, just drag it into the Unzip folder in File Explorer and then select “Unzip.”
In Windows 11, the ZIP file format compresses data and makes files smaller, which speeds up file transfers and saves disk space. You can also use ZIP compression to combine multiple files into one compact package. Here’s how to zip and unzip files on Windows 11.
How to Make a Zip File in Windows 11
First, using File Explorer, locate the file (or files) that you’d like to compress or combine into a ZIP file. This technique also works with files on your desktop. Before compressing, know that if you zip folders, their internal folder structure will be preserved when they get unzipped later.
If you want to zip a group of files or folders, select them by dragging your mouse cursor over them using the selection rectangle, and then right-click the group. If it’s a single file, right-click it. In the menu that appears, select “Compress to ZIP file.”
After a moment, your ZIP file will appear in the same folder as the source files that you just compressed. The ZIP file name will highlight, allowing you to type in whatever name you’d like. Type a new file name or leave the default name in place. When you’re ready, press Enter.
And that’s all there is to it! Pretty simple. Now that you have a ZIP file, you can copy it or share it like any other kind of file.
RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Zip Files
How to Extract a Zip File in Windows 11
Extracting (unzipping) ZIP files in Windows 11 is just as easy as zipping them. First, locate the ZIP file that you’d like to extract in File Explorer. Next, right-click the file and select “Extract All” in the menu.
In the “Extract Compressed (Zipped) Folders” window that appears, you’ll see the current file path as the default location for the unzipped files. If you’d like to change the location where the files will be extracted, click “Browse,” and then navigate to the desired drive or folder.
If you’d like to see the extracted files in File Explorer when the process finishes, check the box beside “Show extracted files when complete.” When you’re done with those options, click “Extract.”
The compressed files in the ZIP file will now be extracted to your chosen location. If you had “Show extracted files when complete” checked, that location will open as a new Window in File Explorer. Repeat as often as needed. Happy zipping!
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