Share this article

Improve this guide

How to zip a file on Windows 10 [Full Guide]

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Zipping and archiving files is an excellent way of both saving disk space and facilitating the process of file transfers, especially when you are dealing with services that don’t allow the transfer of folders.

That’s where zipping can come in handy, since it basically transforms your folder into a singular file, and it also reduces its size to make the transfer itself faster and easier.

If you were wondering how to zip files withWindows 10, it can be done and it can be done with ease.

The only question is how advanced file compression we are talking about, as the built-inFile Explorercompression isn’t exactly something you would call feature-rich.

That’s wherethird-partytoolscome into play, but you can also use some of your OS’s native features to perform the task.

So, if you want to know how to zip afileonWindows 10, we got your back. And, as a bonus, we offer a more complex approach for those of you who want to step up their compression game.

How do I make a zip file on Windows 10?

How do I make a zip file on Windows 10?

1.Use a third-party archiving tool

Using an alternative zip application such asWinZipis an effective approach since third-partytoolsobviously bring many more features when compared to the system utility.

It’s not just about the popularity of this tool, but it is really more than a just simple compression tool. It also allows users to share, manage, protect, andbackup files.

WinZip is an all-in-one file manager that allows you to compress and decompress to save space on your hard drive, encrypt and password-protect your zip files and folders, manage and organize your files and so on.

Compatible with all major file formats, this tool allows provides you with a complete file management suite to handle your files effortlessly, share them, back them up and protect them according to your wishes.

Here’s a quick guide to zipping a folder with WinZip:

Now, let’s quickly look at itskey features:

”WinZip””Zip”Free&aff_sub2=Native” current_url=”true” button_text=”Visit website” image=”https://windowsreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/WinZip-button-210×160.png”]

”WinZip”

2. Use Windows resources

3. Zip the file using command-lines

Unlike the previous solution where you didn’t need any third-party help,Windows 10doesn’t come with a command-line zip program.

However, this can still be done if you use a third-party archiver that supports a command-line executable, such as7-Zip.

This program is open-source, and while it may not have the same rich toolset as our previous entry, it still gets the job done.

It supports many different archive file formats, and it even has its own proprietary file format as well that provides you with superior compression ratios when compared to traditional zip files:

Here’s how you can use 7-Zip’s command-line executable to zip a file:

By following these 3 listed solutions, you should be able to zip and unzip files in Windows 10 in no time.

Try out all of the methods, and let us know which ones did you find to be the most effective by leaving us your feedback in the comments section below.

[wl_navigator]

More about the topics:file compression

Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.

She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.

Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.

User forum

0 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Madalina Dinita

Networking & Security Specialist

Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.