Sign in with Microsoft
Sign in or create an account.
Hello,
Select a different account.
You have multiple accounts
Choose the account you want to sign in with.

Zipped (compressed) files take up less storage space and can be transferred to other computers more quickly than uncompressed files. In Windows, you work with zipped files and folders in the same way that you work with uncompressed files and folders. Combine several files into a single zipped folder to more easily share a group of files.

  1. Locate the file or folder that you want to zip.

  2. Press and hold (or right-click) the file or folder, select (or point to) Send to, and then select Compressed (zipped) folder.

    A new zipped folder with the same name is created in the same location. To rename it, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Rename, and then type the new name.

  1. Locate the zipped folder that you want to unzip (extract) files or folders from.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • To unzip a single file or folder, open the zipped folder, then drag the file or folder from the zipped folder to a new location.

    • To unzip all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Extract All..., and then follow the instructions.

Notes: 

  • To add files or folders to a zipped folder you created earlier, drag them to the zipped folder.

  • If you add encrypted files to a zipped folder, they'll be unencrypted when they're unzipped, which might result in unintentional disclosure of personal or sensitive information. For that reason, we recommend that you avoid zipping encrypted files.

  • Some types of files, like JPEG images, are already highly compressed. If you zip several JPEG pictures into a folder, the total size of the folder will be about the same as the original collection of pictures.

Need more help?

Want more options?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Was this information helpful?

What affected your experience?
By pressing submit, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Your IT admin will be able to collect this data. Privacy Statement.

Thank you for your feedback!

×