How to Compress and Decompress ZIP Files in Windows 11

¿How to compress and decompress ZIP files in Windows 11? Do you have a bunch of files and folders taking up too much space on your PC? Do you want to easily share multiple documents via email or on a USB drive, and need everything neatly organized and small? If you use Windows 11, you have at your disposal several simple and powerful ways to compress and decompress files, either using the operating system's native tools or using third-party applications if you need more features. Here we explain everything you need to know on how to handle compressed files, their advantages, and the potential problems you may face, always using clear and direct language adapted to everyday life.

With the advancement of updates, Windows 11 has incorporated new features to manage ZIP, 7z, and TAR files, making compressing and decompressing much simpler without having to install any additional programs. However, there are also small tricks, nuances and limitations that you should know to get the most out of these functions, avoiding common errors and truly taking advantage of what the system has to offer.

Why compress files and folders in Windows 11?

La file compression in Windows 11 is a practical solution for multiple reasons. For one thing, you save storage space on your hard drive, SSD, or any external media you use, which is especially useful if you have large amounts of images, documents, videos, or other large files. On the other hand, compressing allows you to group multiple items into a single file, making it easy to send via email, messaging, or internet transfer. Plus, when you reduce the file size, the transfer is faster and you consume less bandwidth.

Another interesting aspect is the organizational members inBy having everything in one compressed file, you avoid having dozens of scattered files and minimize the risk of any of them getting lost along the way. Whether you're a student, a professional, or just have your home PC organized, compressing is a tool that simplifies digital life.

Native Windows 11 tools for zipping and unzipping

One of the advantages of Windows 11 is that you don't need to install anything to perform basic operations with ZIP, 7z and TAR files thanks to its new native functions, especially since version 24H2. The File Browser provides you with quick and straightforward options to zip or unzip folders and documents.

How do I compress a file or folder? You just have to select what you want to compress, right click and use the “Compress in…«. You will be presented with several options: compress as a ZIP file, as a 7z file, or as a TAR file. If you click on “Additional options”, you can further customize the process by choosing the path, name, format, and compression method.

And to decompressIt's also very simple: right-click on the compressed file and select “Remove all” to extract the entire contents, or open the file by double-clicking and extract only the elements you need by copying and pasting them into a different folder.

Supported formats and new features in version 24H2

Until recently, Windows 11 only supported ZIP compression, one of the most popular and compatible standards for all types of applications. But with the 24H2 update, Compression and decompression has been extended to 7z and TAR formats natively, which is really useful if you work with more advanced projects or exchange files between different operating systems.

When compressing, you can choose between:

• ZIP (fast, with acceptable compression and very compatible).
• 7z (high compression rate, open source, ideal for large files or to save maximum space).
• TAR (packs multiple files into one; often used in conjunction with compression methods such as Gzip or BZip2).

In each format, within the advanced options, you have the possibility to select the method and level of compressionFor example, for 7z, you can choose algorithms like LZMA2 (the most efficient), LZMA1, PPMd, and others; for ZIP, you have Store or Deflate; and for TAR, methods like Gzip, BZip2, xz, and Zstandard.

Customizing the compression process

Want to fully control how your files are compressed? Windows 11 gives you several advanced options. You can choose between different algorithms according to your needs: you want to compress a lot and slowly to gain maximum space, or you just need a quick tablet even if it is less efficient. You can also choose the compression level (from 1 to 9), where 1 is the fastest but least efficient, and 9 is the option for those who want to minimize the size even if it takes more minutes.

Also, if you drive symbolic or physical links (hard links and soft links), you can tell Windows to keep them during compression. Ideal for more technical tasks or if you work with backups and development!

Decompression: Beyond ZIP

With the latest update, Windows 11 can also unzip other popular formats. like RAR, even if you can't create RAR files directly from Explorer. The process is just as simple: select the compressed file, right-click, and choose the option to extract everything or just what you're interested in.

This opens the door to working with files that previously required external applications such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. However, if the file is password protectedWindows 11 will display an error (Error 0x8096002A) because it doesn't yet natively support this type of security. If you need to extract password-protected compressed files, you'll need to use a specialized tool.

Compress to save space: NTFS compression

A lesser-known but very practical option is the compressing folders on disk using the NTFS file system's own function. This mode works at the folder level on your hard drive and automatically reduces the size occupied by its content without the need to create ZIP, 7z or TAR files.

To activate this option, go up one level in Explorer, right-click the folder, and select "Properties." Under "Advanced Properties," find the "Compress contents to save disk space" checkbox and select it. Everything you copy into that folder will be compressed on the fly, but both you and your applications will be able to access the files normally. To revert this, uncheck the option at any time.

Add files to an existing archive

If you're working with ZIP files and want to add more documents or folders after creating them, there are two very convenient ways to do so: drag the files directly into the ZIP from Explorer, or open the ZIP file, copy what you need, and paste it inside. Of course, This is only possible with ZIP files; for 7z and TAR this feature is not available using native Windows tools.

Following errors and limitations of Windows 11

Despite all its advantages, Windows 11's native compression has certain drawbacks. relevant limitations to consider:

• You can not encrypt the content with a passwordIf you try to open a protected compressed file, you will receive an error with no clear message.
• Only allows add files to ZIP, but not 7z or TAR.
• When creating a compressed file with the same name, advanced mode allows you to overwrite the original without prompting. In basic mode, a new file is generated with an additional file number.
• There is no option to choose encryption methods or modify version compatibility.

For more advanced features, such as password protection, support for more formats, or more efficient compression, you must use third-party applications , the WinRAR, specialized programs or more advanced tools.

Third-party apps: when you need advanced options

The compression software ecosystem is extensive and Windows 11 complements programs perfectly more advanced. The best known are:

• 7-Zip: Free and open source, it supports a multitude of formats such as 7z, ZIP, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, WIM, RAR and many more. It stands out for its excellent compression rate and compatibility. You can also learn How to unzip 7z files in Windows 11.
• PeaZip: Also free, it lets you encrypt files, send files by email or upload them to the cloud, and supports more than 150 different formats. It's Ideal for users seeking security and versatility.
• WinRAR: The classic, well known for its robustness, is paid but offers support for RAR, ZIP, 7Z, CAB, ISO and more, as well as high-speed compression and extraction.
• WinZip: One of the most veteran solutions, it combines compatibility with multiple formats and tools to optimize files before sending them by email or uploading them to the cloud.

These alternatives allow you to encrypt files with a password, split compressed files into multiple parts, choose extreme compression levels, automate tasks, and many more features that are not available in the basic Windows options.

Compress to Share: Practical Tips

When share compressed files, keep these key points in mind:

• The ZIP format is ideal because almost any device or program recognizes it.
• If the file contains many small elements, compression significantly improves space savings.
• If you require maximum efficiency, 7z is the best option, but make sure the recipient will be able to open it.
• When sending by email, check the size limits, as some platforms block large or password-protected compressed files.

When transferring between different platforms (Windows, Mac, or Linux), choose universal formats and avoid names with special characters. This will make things easier for everyone involved.

How to Compress and Decompress ZIP Files in Windows 11: Troubleshooting Common Issues

You may come across some Common errors when compressing and decompressing in Windows 11. Here are the answers to the most common ones:

• Windows 11 cannot unzip password-protected files. Use software like 7-Zip or WinRAR if you need to access their contents.
• If you create a compressed file and another file with the same name already exists, the system may overwrite it (in advanced mode) or create a new one with a number in parentheses (in simple mode).
• The system does not ask before overwriting in all circumstances: be careful if you don't want to lose the original!

Also, if you compress using the NTFS feature to save space, the folder icon will change slightly so you can distinguish the compressed ones at a glance in File Explorer.

Do not forget that Not all advanced features are available as standardIf you're missing any, check your Windows 11 version and consider upgrading if possible to enjoy the latest improvements. We hope you've now learned how to compress and decompress ZIP files in Windows 11.