Windows 10 can create ZIP files without any extra software, which is handy for emailing a folder, saving space, or backing up a group of files as one. This guide covers zipping with the right-click menu, the File Explorer ribbon and PowerShell, adding files to an existing ZIP, unzipping, and when to use a free tool like 7-Zip for passwords or better compression.
Quick Answer
Right-click the folder, choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder, and press Enter to keep the suggested name. A .zip file appears next to the original folder.
Method 1: Right-Click Menu
- In File Explorer, right-click the folder (or select several files and folders first).
- Point to Send to and click Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Type a name or press Enter.
When you select multiple items, the ZIP is named after the item you right-clicked. Rename it with F2.
Method 2: File Explorer Ribbon
- Select the folder or files.
- Click the Share tab.
- Click Zip.
Method 3: PowerShell
Compress-Archive -Path "C:\Users\Alex\Documents\Tax Records" -DestinationPath "C:\Users\Alex\Desktop\TaxRecords.zip"Add -Update to add files to an existing archive, or -Force to overwrite. PowerShell’s built-in command has a 2 GB per-file limit.
Add Files to an Existing ZIP
Drag files onto the .zip file in File Explorer, or open the ZIP and paste files into it.
Unzip (Extract) a ZIP File
- Right-click the .zip and choose Extract All, pick a location, and click Extract.
- Or double-click to open it and drag files out.
- Always extract before editing files; programs may not save changes to files opened directly from inside a ZIP.
How Much Space Does Zipping Save?
| File type | Typical savings |
|---|---|
| Text, documents, spreadsheets, CSV | Large, often 50% or more |
| Uncompressed images (BMP, TIFF) | Moderate to large |
| JPG, PNG, MP3, MP4, existing ZIPs | Little or none; already compressed |
Need a Password or Better Compression?
Windows’ built-in ZIP can’t add passwords. Free tools such as 7-Zip can:
- Install 7-Zip from its official site.
- Right-click the folder > 7-Zip > Add to archive.
- Choose zip or 7z, enter a password, and set Encryption method to AES-256.
The 7z format usually compresses more, but the recipient needs a tool that opens it. For folders you want to protect on your own PC, see how to put a password on a folder in Windows 10.
To open an archive, see how to unzip files in Windows.
Troubleshooting
- “Compressed (zipped) Folders is invalid”: the file is damaged or incomplete; download it again.
- Send to menu missing the option: restore it by copying Compressed (zipped) Folder.ZFSendToTarget from another user’s SendTo folder, or use PowerShell or 7-Zip.
- File too large for email: most email services cap attachments around 20 to 25 MB. Share a cloud link instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does zipping delete the original folder?
No. The original stays; the ZIP is a copy.
Is it the same in Windows 11?
Similar. In Windows 11, right-click and choose Compress to ZIP file. Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025.
Summary
- Right-click > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
- Or use Share > Zip or Compress-Archive in PowerShell.
- Right-click > Extract All to unzip.
- Use 7-Zip for passwords and stronger 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.