File: How to Zip Folder on Windows

This updated guide examines File: How to Zip Folder on Windows and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Using the Built-in Zip Tool

1. Navigate to the folder you want to zip. No need to open the folder, just bring it onto the screen. As of Windows 7, Windows has the ability to zip files without downloading a third-party app like WinZip. If you prefer WinZip, see Using WinZip.
   • An easy way to find folders is to open the File Explorer. You can do this by pressing?Win+E, or by clicking File Explorer in the Windows menu.
2. Right-click the folder. A menu will appear.
3. ClickSend to. Another menu will appear.
4. ClickCompressed (Zipped) folder. This creates a new zip file from the folder. It also highlights the name of the new file so you can edit it.
5. Name the file. The file takes the name of the folder by default. You'll notice that the current name is highlighted for easy editing. You can type a new name for the file if you wish, or just skip to the next step.
6. Press?Enter. The zip file is now saved.

Method 2of 2:

Using WinZip

1. Navigate to the folder you want to zip. No need to open the folder, just bring it onto the screen.
   • An easy way to find folders is to open the File Explorer. You can do this by pressing?Win+E, or by clicking File Explorer in the Windows menu.
   • Use this method if you prefer using WinZip, the popular shareware compression app, rather than the default tool in Windows. If you'd rather use the tool that's built into Windows, see Using the Built-in Zip Tool.
2. Right-click the folder. A menu will appear.
3. ClickWinZip. This opens the WinZip menu.
4. ClickAdd to filename.zip. Instead of 'filename,' you'll see the name of the folder. This adds the contents of the folder to the zip file.
   • If you're using the free trial version of WinZip, you'll be prompted to register the software. Click Use Evaluation Version , or click Buy Now to purchase.
   • If you'd rather specify a file name and location, select Add to Zip file, select a name and location, then click Add .
5. ClickOKon the confirmation window. This is the window that tells you your files have been added. This will compress the zip file, giving it a smaller file size.