Windows family is equipped with a special feature that allows you to zip or compress a file or Folder with the help of an in-built tool. And the article is all about how to zip file in windows 10, 8.1 or any other windows version.

Suppose you have limited storage in your hard disk which is packed up fully with big files. It could be your family album, important applications, or any other big essential data. However, you cannot delete them as each of them is crucial for you. At this point, the only thing that can fix up the matter and allow you to keep all the files while spacing up your hard disk is compressing them. When you choose to zip a file it gets shrunk in size.

On the other hand, if you come across any hurdle while sharing large-sized files through any online tool including Email, Skype, or WhatsApp, simply zip them! Larger files take up a huge space, which in turn creates obstacles in sharing them. Zipped files fit in smaller space and allow you to send more than big yet Compressed files at a time. There are three different methods of zipping a file. If you are interested in knowing them, read ahead.

How To Zip File in Windows 10 Or Zip Folder In Windows?

Method 1: ‘Menu Option’ to Compress File

With this method, you can zip file in windows 10, 8.1 and so on. To know how to accomplish the zipping precisely, follow the step by step guidance thoroughly.

Step 1: Select the file that you want to zip:

As earlier mentioned, this method is suitable for zipping both single and multiple files. If you aim to compress a single file, you can jump into the second step. If not, follow the first step.

There two distinct ways of selecting multiple files. Firstly, for choosing a consecutive file group, you first need to click on the first file. After that, you need to press the shift key followed by a click on the last file. All the items between the first and last file will be automatically selected.

Secondly, if you want to select the non-consecutive files, you need to press the CTRL key and choose your preferred files just the way you select an individual one.

Step 2: Navigate the ‘send to’ option

After you execute the first step successfully, you need to locate the ‘send to’ option. For that, you need to point the cursor of your mouse on the selected item(s), after that right-click on it. Then, you will notice a drop-down menu bar.

Among those options, you have to find out the one that reads ‘Send to’. Once you tap on it, you will notice another menu bar with different options, including the compressed or zipped folder. Make sure to click on it carefully.

Note: The second step in the most vital process of this method. If you create any slightest mistake, you might lose your important data.

Step 3: Rename the zipped or compressed file(s)

Unless you rename the zipped file, you will face difficulties while searching them back again. Thus, in the third step, you have to finish the task of zipping and compressing by providing a name to it. After you rename it, hit on the Enter Key to accept the changes.

Note: At this point, Windows 10 will suggest you by default name based on your previous file name. For example, if the former file name is cookies.png file, the recommended name of its zip file will be cookies.zip. You can choose to keep it or rename it as per your desire.

Method 2: Ribbon Menu to Zip File in Windows

Along with the ‘Send to’ option, there is another way of zipping or compressing single and multiple files. If you notice warily, you will find that there is a zip command at the Ribbon menu in your Windows 10 File Explorer. Zipping or compressing files through the Ribbon menu is the most convenient method for laptop users. It is because, here, you just need to tap into the compressed files instead of right-clicking. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Select the file(s)

Similar to the above-mentioned method, you need to select your desired files. For selecting the consecutive files, opt for the Shift Key option, and for non-consecutive ones, go for the CTRL key option.

Step 2: Search for the Share tab

After the selection of the files is done, you need to search for the tab called to share in your file explorer. Most probably, it is present just beside the home tab. However, once you are able to locate it, click on it.

Step 3: Hit on the zip button

When you will click on the Share tab, you will find multiple options beneath it. Look for the zip button (yellow file icon) among them. Click on it, once you navigate it. Here, all your selected files will be zipped or compressed.

Note: Apart from Windows 10, the Ribbon menu functions smoothly in Windows 8.1 whereas the previous method, i.e. Send to works fine in the previous windows version as well.

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Method 3: How to zip a folder in Windows

In the two above-mentioned steps, you have learned the ways of zipping or compressing single or multiple files. What if you need to zip an entire folder? You can do that too by following the below-enlisted steps.

Step 1: search for the File Explorer

To begin the process, you first need to find out the File Explorer on the taskbar of Windows 10.

Note: If you press the Windows key and E together in your Keyboard, File Explorer will open automatically.

Step 2: Navigate the folder

 After opening the File Explorer, you need to look for the folder that wishes to include in the single compressed or zip file. The following steps are exactly similar to that of the 1^st method. Check them out.

Step 3: Zip the folder

Once you select the folder, right-click on it and tap on the ‘Send to’ option. After that, opt for the ‘compressed folder’ to zip it.

Step 4: Finish the task by renaming the folder

Just like the first method, end the task by renaming the folder. Then, save the changes by hitting on the Enter Key.

How to Extract Zip Folder in Windows?

Are you puzzled by how to view the inner content of your zipped folder? Well, there is no need of worrying as not only you can view it easily but also can modify the compressed folders by combining or deleting files from it. Zipped folders work exactly like the other ordinary folders. So, if you want to view it, just click on it. On the other side, if you want to include more files, you can do it by dragging and dropping.

In the case of extracting the files, locate the ‘Extract All’ button. You will find it within the extract tab. After that, a wizard called Extract Compressed Folder will appear on the screen. Finally, you need to choose a location where you want to extract the files and hit on the extract button.

Common Zip File in Windows FAQ’s

What is Compressed File or Zipped File?

A compressed or zipped file is a file that contains one or more files or folder that is smaller than their original file size. Common compressed file extensions are .zip and .rar.

Can Windows Compress Files?

Yes, Windows comes with a file compression feature. So, you can compress files or folder through Windows default compression feature.

Can I compress an already compressed file?

Yes, you can compress any compressed file or folder. In fact, given the right code, any file can be compressed to just one bit!

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you are aware of the different methods that you can follow to zip file in windows 10 or any other windows versions. To avoid silly mistakes, make sure to do that instantly while reading the article.

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