Zip Files Windows 11: Compress Files and Folders Built In

Zipping bundles several files or a whole folder into one compressed file that is easier to email, upload or archive. You can zip files in Windows 11 straight from File Explorer, with no extra software, and recent versions also create formats other than ZIP. This guide shows both right-click methods, how to add files to a zip, which formats are available, what Windows cannot do (passwords) and how to keep zips small enough to send.

The steps apply to Windows 11 version 24H2, 25H2 and 26H2. If you need to open a zip, RAR or 7z file someone sent you, our guide on how to open RAR files in Windows 11 covers extracting.

Method 1: Compress to (current builds)

On current Windows 11 builds, the right-click menu in File Explorer has a Compress to entry:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows logo key + E) and go to the files.
2. Select the file, several files (hold Ctrl and click each one), or a folder.
3. Right-click the selection and choose Compress to.
4. Choose ZIP File. Other choices, such as 7z and TAR, may also be listed; see the formats section below.
5. Type a name for the new file and press Enter.

The new archive appears in the same folder.

Method 2: Send to Compressed (zipped) folder

Microsoft’s support article documents the classic route, which works on every Windows 11 PC:

1. Right-click (or press and hold) the file or folder.
2. Select Show more options, then Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. Windows creates a zipped folder with the same name in the same location.

To rename it, right-click the zip and select Rename, as Microsoft suggests. If you zip several files at once, the zip takes the name of the file you right-clicked; rename it to something meaningful before you send it.

Add files to an existing zip

Microsoft’s instruction is simple: drag the files or folders you want to add onto the zipped folder. You can also open the zip by double-clicking it and drag files into the window.

To remove something from a zip, open it, select the file and delete it. Windows asks for confirmation because the change is written straight into the archive.

Which formats can Windows 11 create?

Format	Create in Windows 11	Notes
ZIP	Yes, all versions	Opens on any Windows, Mac or phone; the safe choice for sharing
7z	Yes, on current builds via Compress to	Often smaller than ZIP; the recipient needs a 7z-capable tool or a recent Windows 11
TAR	Yes, on current builds via Compress to	Common on Linux; not compressed on its own
RAR	No	Windows can open RAR files but not create them

Microsoft’s zip page says Windows 11 version 24H2 supports compression and decompression of various formats, including 7-Zip. Microsoft’s notes for version 26H2 add support for opening more archive formats. If your menu only offers ZIP, install the latest updates from Settings > Windows Update.

When in doubt, use ZIP. It is the format everyone can open without installing anything.

What Windows 11 cannot do: passwords

There is no built-in way to password-protect or encrypt a zip. Microsoft says Windows 11 version 24H2 does not support operations on encrypted archives and suggests third-party tools such as 7-Zip or WinRAR if you need them. Microsoft also warns that encrypted files become unencrypted when they are unzipped, so it recommends not zipping encrypted files.

If you need to send something sensitive, a better option is usually a cloud storage link with access limited to the recipient, or an encrypted container the recipient knows how to open. Never send the password in the same email as the file.

Make zips smaller

Zipping does not shrink everything. Microsoft points out that files already compressed, such as JPEG photos, do not get much smaller. The same is true of MP4 video, MP3 audio and modern Office documents. Text files, CSV exports, logs and uncompressed images (BMP, TIFF) shrink a lot.

If a zip is too large to email:

• Use cloud storage. Upload the folder to OneDrive or another service and share a link instead of an attachment.
• Split the job. Make two or three zips of related files.
• Reduce the photos first. Resize large photos before zipping if full resolution is not needed.
• Try 7z if the recipient can open it; it is often smaller than ZIP for documents.

Zip a whole folder for backup

Zipping a project folder is a quick way to take a snapshot before a big change. It is not a replacement for real backups, though: a zip on the same drive disappears with the drive. Copy it to an external drive or cloud storage, or set up a proper backup with File History or Windows Backup. Our guide to transfer files to a new PC covers moving large folders in one go.

Troubleshooting

• “Compressed (zipped) folder is invalid” usually means the download was incomplete or the archive is a format Windows cannot open. Download it again, or check the extension with show file extensions turned on.
• Access denied when zipping happens with files you do not have permission to read, such as system folders. Copy what you need to your own Documents folder first.
• Compress to is missing on an older build. Use Show more options > Send to, and install updates.
• File Explorer freezes on a huge zip. Large archives take time; if it crashes repeatedly, see File Explorer crash.

For more File Explorer skills, such as working in several folders at once, see File Explorer tabs in Windows 11 and our Windows 11 productivity hub.