How to Zip and Unzip Files in Windows 11?

Zipping and unzipping files is a common task that helps reduce file size or bundle multiple files together for easier sharing. In this guide, we'll cover 3 easy methods to zip and unzip files in Windows 11 for free. Whether you're using built-in features or looking for quick ways to compress files in Windows 11, these methods will make your file management easier. You'll also learn how to extract files in Windows 11 without needing additional software.

What is a Zip File?

A ZIP file, with a ZIP file­ extension, is a standard type of compre­ssed file that you may encounte­r. It's like other archive formats. It holds one­ or more files and/or folders, compressed into a single­, smaller file. This makes it e­asy to move and compress.

How to Zip Files in Windows 11? [3 Methods]

Zipped files are important when you want to export multiple files at a time without losing them in between as they use lossless data compression techniques. So let's see how to zip files in Windows. We have suggested here the three most used methods. Let's discuss each method with proper demonstration.

Method 1: Zip Files in Windows Using File Explorer

Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Select files/folders.

Step 2: Right-click > "Show more options" > "Sent to".

Step 3: Click "Compressed (zipped) folder."

Step 4: A new zipped folder (.zip) appears at the same location.

Method 2: Zip Files in Windows Using PowerShell

Step 1: Step 1: Press Win + S, type "PowerShell", and open as administrator.

Step 2: In PowerShell, enter the command and press Enter.

Compress-Archive -Path C:\SOURCE\YOUR\FILES\* -CompressionLevel Optimal -DestinationPath C:\DESTINATION\ZIPPEDFILE.zip

Method 3: Zip Files in Windows Extract Files Individually

Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer then Select the files or folders you want to compress.

Step 2: Right-click on the file and choose "Cut".

Step 3: Then, Navigate to another folder after that click on space and select "Paste".

Hence, we have successfully executed all three methods to zip files in Windows 11.

How to Unzip Files in Windows 11? [3 Methods]

To extract the content of the zipped files we need to unzip it. We have learned how to zip files in Windows, Now let's see how to unzip files in Windows with proper demonstration.

Method 1: Unzip Files in Windows Using File Explorer

Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer. Select files/folders to extract.

Step 2: Right-click > "Extract All".

Step 3: Choose the extraction destination.

Step 4: Click "Extract" to unzip the files.

Method 2: Unzip Files in Windows Using PowerShell

Step 1: Press Windows key + S, type "PowerShell", and open as administrator.

Step 2: In PowerShell, Enter the command and press Enter.

Expand-Archive -Path C:\SOURCE\YOUR\FILES\ZIPPEDFILE.zip -DestinationPath C:\DESTINATION\UNZIP

Method 3: Unzip Files in Windows Using WinRAR

Step 1: Right on the zip folder then hover on "Open With" > "WinRAR archiver".

Step 2: Then, On WinRAR windows click on "Extract to".

Step 3: Choose your desired folder path where you want to extract it.

Hence, we have successfully executed all three methods to unzip files in Windows 11.

Conclusion

In conclusion, We have shown you 3 Easy Methods to Zip and Unzip files in Windows 11 for Free. You can use File Explorer or PowerShell to package and unpackage folders, files, and archives.