How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11
Share this post
How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11
ZIP files bundle many files into one and usually make them smaller - handy for email attachments, uploads and backups. Windows 11 can zip and unzip files by itself; you don't need extra software for normal use.
The menus changed slightly between Windows 11 versions, so both are shown below. To see which version you have, see how to check your Windows 11 version.
How to Zip Files
Newer Windows 11 versions
- Open File Explorer and select the files or folder you want to zip (hold Ctrl to select several).
- Right-click the selection.
- Choose Compress to > ZIP File.
- A new ZIP file appears in the same folder. Type a name and press Enter.
Recent versions may also offer other formats (such as 7z or TAR) under Compress to; ZIP is the one any computer can open.
Older Windows 11 versions
- Select the files or folder and right-click.
- Choose Show more options > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Name the new ZIP file and press Enter.
Tip: to add more files to an existing ZIP, drag them onto the ZIP file.
How to Unzip Files
Extract everything
- Right-click the ZIP file.
- Choose Extract All...
- Pick where to put the files (or keep the suggested folder) and select Extract.
Take out just one or two files
Double-click the ZIP file to open it like a folder, then drag the files you need to another folder.
Why extract first? When you open a file straight from inside a ZIP, it's a temporary copy. Changes may not save, and programs installed from inside a ZIP often fail. Extract first, then open.
Opening RAR, 7z and TAR Files
Recent versions of Windows 11 can open RAR, 7z and TAR archives without extra software, the same way as ZIP files (double-click, or right-click > Extract All). If your PC can't open them, install the latest updates from Settings > Windows Update.
Windows can't open password-protected (encrypted) archives. For those, use a reputable archive tool downloaded from its official website - never from a random download site.
Fixing Common Problems
"The file is blocked" or files won't run after extracting
Windows marks files downloaded from the internet. If you trust the source:
- Right-click the ZIP file and select Properties.
- On the General tab, tick Unblock (at the bottom), then select OK.
- Extract again.
If you don't know where the file came from, don't unblock it - scan it with Windows Security first (right-click > Show more options > Scan with Microsoft Defender).
"The path is too long" or files missing after extraction
ZIP files with deep folder structures can go over Windows' path length limit. Extract to a short location such as C:\Temp instead of a folder buried inside Downloads.
"The compressed folder is invalid"
The download is probably incomplete or damaged. Download it again - in a different browser if needed. If a download keeps failing, see Chrome downloads failing or blocked.
Not enough space
Extracting needs room for the full-size files, which can be several times bigger than the ZIP. Free up space first - see storage full: how to find what is taking up disk space.
Good to Know
- Already-compressed files (JPG photos, MP4 videos, PDFs) hardly shrink when zipped. ZIP still bundles them into one file.
- Email limits: many email services cap attachments at around 20-25 MB. For bigger ZIP files, share a link from OneDrive or Google Drive instead.
- ZIP is not a backup on its own. Keep copies on another drive or in the cloud - see how to back up your Windows 11 PC.
- Encrypted files lose encryption when you add them to a ZIP and extract them again, according to Microsoft.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need WinZip or WinRAR to open ZIP files on Windows 11?
No. Windows 11 can create and extract ZIP files on its own. Recent versions of Windows 11 can also open RAR, 7z and TAR archives. You only need another tool for things Windows doesn't support, such as password-protected archives.
How do I password-protect a ZIP file in Windows 11?
Windows 11 doesn't add passwords to ZIP files. Use a reputable archive tool that supports encrypted archives, or store the files in an encrypted location instead.
Why is my ZIP file not getting any smaller?
Files like photos (JPG), videos (MP4) and PDFs are already compressed, so zipping them saves little space. ZIP files still help by bundling many files into one.
Why do extracted files from the internet show a security warning?
Windows marks downloaded files. If you trust the source, right-click the ZIP file, choose Properties, tick Unblock and select OK before extracting.
Comments