How to Zip a File or Folder on Windows

Sometimes you are bothered by the stress of sending or sharing multiple files with another person or device. Zipping files makes it easy; it combines the files into one single file (ZIP) and simultaneously compresses their total size.

This article will teach you how to zip a file on Windows using the Windows in-built tool; either you go from the File Explorer or Ribbon Menu. You will also learn how to zip multiple folders and files.

We also show you how to unzip files on Windows in case you want to know it.

How to Zip a File or Folder on Windows

You can zip a file or folder on Windows using the Windows in-built tool (File Explorer and the Ribbon Menu). Also, you can zip multiple files or folders at once. While File Explorer is common to all Windows versions, the Ribbon Menu method is only suitable for Windows 10. Let's take a look at these approaches one by one. They are:

Method 1. How to zip a folder using File Explorer

Method 2. How to zip a file on Windows using the Ribbon Menu

Method 3. How to zip multiple files or folders

Method 1. How to zip a folder using File Explorer

Let's begin with how to zip a folder using File Explorer. To zip a file or folder in your PC, follow the outlined instructions below:

Step 1. Click your File Explorer to open it. Alternatively, press the Windows key + E to open your File Explorer.

Step 2. Head to the folder or file you desire to compress or zip.

Step 3. Select the folder or file, then right-click it to select "Send to."

Step 4. After this, select the "Compressed (zipped) folder" option.

Method 2. How to zip a file on Windows using the Ribbon Menu

This method helps you know how to make a zip file on Windows 10. Follow these steps to use the Ribbon Menu to zip a file.

Step 1. Select the file or folder you want to zip.

Step 2. Head over to the Share tab in the File Explorer

Step 3. Then, click the Zip button

In Windows 11, navigate to the file or folder you want to zip. Then click the "…" as seen in the screenshot below to access the "Compressed to Zip file" after navigating to the desired file or folder.

Method 3. How to zip multiple files or folders

To zip multiple files or folders simultaneously, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Head to the folders or files you want to compress (zip).

Step 2. Create a new folder and name it.

Step 3. Move all folders and files into it.

Step 4. Right-click on the new folder and select "Send to."

Step 5. Then, click on the "Compressed (zipped) folder."

Step 6. Give the new name for the new (zipped) folder.

Adding a File or Folder to an Existing ZIP File

In addition to zipping and compressing files, you can add a file or folder to an existing file. All you need to do is to select the files you want to add and drag them into the pre-existing ZIP file. However, to avoid mixing things up, you should ensure to add files that are related or in the same group as the pre-existing files in the ZIP folder.

How to View a Zip Folder's Content

Perhaps you have zipped some files and folders and need clarification about what file you selected into it; you can view the modified zip folder. This is done by double-clicking on the zipped file, and then you will see it open like a regular folder on your computer with all the files and folders compressed into it.

In addition, you can delete a file or folder from a pre-existing zip folder

Conclusion

Follow any methods this article identifies to zip a file or folder on Windows. Zipping files or folders can be done through the Ribbon Menu in Windows 10/11 and File Explorer. You can also add or view files and folders in a pre-existing zip folder.