How to Zip and Unzip Files and Folders in Windows 11

You want to squeeze files into a single ZIP to save space or email them, or you’ve received a ZIP and need to get the files out.

Why: A ZIP is a compressed folder that holds one or more files in less space and as a single download. Windows 11 can create ZIPs and open ZIP, RAR, 7z and TAR archives without any extra software. Compressed files take up less storage and transfer faster than uncompressed ones.

Fix 1: Zip files into a compressed folder

1. Select the file or files you want (hold Ctrl to pick several, or Shift to select a range).
2. Right-click the selection and choose Compress to ZIP file. (On older builds, choose Show more options > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.)
3. A new .zip appears in the same location with the name highlighted — type a name and press Enter.

To add more files later, just drag them onto the ZIP.

Fix 2: Unzip (extract) an archive

To pull everything out at once:

1. Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
2. Confirm or change the folder where the files should go, then click Extract.
3. The extracted files open in a normal folder.

To grab just one item, double-click the ZIP to open it, then drag the file out to your desktop or another folder.

Fix 3: Open RAR, 7z and TAR archives

Windows 11 (version 24H2 and later) opens RAR, 7z and TAR archives the same way: double-click to look inside, or right-click and Extract All. There’s nothing extra to install.

FAQ

Why won’t a ZIP extract — it asks for a password? Windows can’t open password-protected or encrypted archives. Use the app that created it, or a tool like 7-Zip, and enter the password.

Does zipping reduce quality? No. ZIP is lossless — your files come out byte-for-byte identical. Already-compressed files (JPEGs, MP4s) just won’t shrink much.

Can I email a ZIP? Yes — attach the single .zip like any other file. The recipient extracts it on their end.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Zip and unzip files