Zipping Files in Windows

Zip files act like folders and may contain one or more compressed files. To access and use the files, the zip file must be “unzipped”. When creating a zip file, multiple files are combined into one .zip file, and the overall file size is reduced. Creating a ZIP file is helpful when you need to:

  • Share more than one or two files with someone (over email, OneDrive, Google Drive, etc.)
  • Reduce the total size of an email attachment
  • Share a shapefile (since a shapefile is actually made up of multiple files)
  • Backup a folder to save in OneDrive or Google Drive

Unzip a File

If you want more options when managing ZIP files on Windows, check out the free software 7 Zip.org.

Video: How To Zip/Unzip A File Or Folder In Windows 10

Method 1

  1. To unzip a file, right click the file, opening up the context menu

  2. Within the context menu, select “Extract all”

    Screenshot of right-clicking a file. A menu opens with the option to Extract All.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

Method 2

  1. Double-click the ZIP file to view its contents and click the “Extract all” button. (Individual files may be extracted by clicking the check box to the left of each file and choosing “extract”.)

    The Extract menu in File Explorer.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

  2. You’ll be prompted to select a destination for the extracted files. The file path to the current zip file location will be displayed. Click “Browse” if you want to change the destination for extracted files.

    Selecting a destination to extract the files to.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

  3. File explorer will open. Navigate to your chosen location and click “Select Folder”.

    Selecting a destination to extract the files to.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

  4. Another dialog box will appear. Click the “Extract” button.

    Once the extract destination is selected, click the Extract button.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

Create a Zip File

  1. To create a ZIP file, highlight the files or folders you wish to compress, and right-click. Select “Send To” from the context menu.

  2. Select “Compressed (zipped) folder”. Depending on the size of the files, a progress bar may appear.

    Screenshot of right-clicking a file. A menu opens with the option to Send to... compressed folder

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

  3. A new ZIP file/folder will be created and automatically added to the directory in which the original files reside.

    Desktop view with newly created zipped file.

    Image: Marshall Gunnell/IDG

This tutorial was adapted from PC-World by John Slaff. The original article was authored by Marshall Gunnell and appeared on pcworld.com on July 20th, 2021. The original article can be found here: https://www.pcworld.com/article/394871/how-to-unzip-files-in-windows-10.html.