Compressing files into a ZIP folder makes them smaller and bundles many files into one, which is ideal for emailing, uploading or archiving. Windows 10 can create ZIP files without extra software. This guide shows how to zip files and folders, add files to an existing ZIP, extract them, use NTFS compression to save disk space, and when a tool like 7-Zip is worth installing.
Quick Answer
Select the files or folder in File Explorer, right-click, and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. Windows creates a .zip file in the same location; type a name and press Enter.
Method 1: Send To > Compressed Folder
- Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and find the files or folder.
- Select them. Hold Ctrl to pick several, or Ctrl + A to select all.
- Right-click one of the selected items.
- Choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Rename the new ZIP file and press Enter.
Method 2: The Share Tab
- Select the files in File Explorer.
- Click the Share tab on the ribbon.
- Click Zip.
Add Files to an Existing ZIP
Drag files onto the ZIP file in File Explorer, or open the ZIP and paste files into it. Windows copies them in and compresses them.
Extract (Unzip) Files
- Right-click the ZIP and choose Extract All, pick a destination and click Extract.
- Or double-click the ZIP to open it and drag files out.
Always extract before editing files; opening them directly from a ZIP can prevent saving changes.
How Much Smaller Will Files Get?
| File type | Typical compression |
|---|---|
| Text, CSV, logs, older .doc files | Large savings (often 50–90%) |
| Office files (.docx, .xlsx) | Small savings (already compressed) |
| JPEG, MP3, MP4, PDF | Little to none (already compressed) |
To shrink photos or videos, resize or re-encode them instead. For large PDFs, use a PDF compression tool.
Method 3: Compress to Save Disk Space (NTFS Compression)
This compresses files in place so they take less space on your drive but still open normally:
- Right-click a folder or file and choose Properties.
- Click Advanced.
- Check Compress contents to save disk space and click OK, then Apply.
- Choose whether to apply to subfolders.
Compressed items show blue double arrows on their icons. Use it for rarely used files, since it can slightly slow access. It doesn’t make files smaller for sending.
Method 4: 7-Zip for Better Compression and Passwords
Windows 10’s built-in ZIP can’t password-protect files and handles only ZIP. The free, open-source 7-Zip adds:
- Higher compression with the .7z format.
- AES-256 password encryption for ZIP and 7z files.
- Support for RAR, TAR, GZ and other formats.
- Splitting archives into smaller parts for email limits.
After installing, right-click files and choose 7-Zip > Add to archive. Newer Windows 11 versions can create 7z and TAR archives natively.
Troubleshooting
- “Compressed (zipped) folder” is missing: the Send to menu may be damaged. Type shell:sendto in the Run box and make sure the item exists, or use the Share tab.
- ZIP too large to email: use a cloud link (OneDrive, Google Drive) or split it with 7-Zip.
- “Compressed folder is invalid”: the download may be incomplete. Download it again or open it with 7-Zip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does zipping reduce quality?
No. ZIP compression is lossless; files are restored exactly when extracted.
Can I password-protect a ZIP in Windows 10?
Not with the built-in tool. Use 7-Zip or another archiver.
Is it the same on Windows 11?
Similar: right-click and choose Compress to > ZIP File. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Select files, right-click > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Right-click > Extract All to unzip.
- Use NTFS compression to save disk space.
- Use 7-Zip for passwords and better compression.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.