How to Create a Compressed Folder

Creating Compressed Folders

Versions of Windows beginning with Windows XP (XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11) have a built-in basic capability to compress files in the "zip" format by using the “Compressed (zipped) Folder” feature. Folders compressed using this feature are identified by a compressed or zippered folder icon:

Follow these steps to compress a file or folder:

1. Select the file or folder you want to compress.
2. Right-click on the file
3. On the drop down menu, locate “Send to” and click on it.
4. On the side menu, select “Compressed (zipped) folder” (see image below).
5. Hit “Enter” to accept the suggested filename or change the file name to whatever you wish.

After the folder has been created, you can compress additional files in the same folder by drag/dropping them into the compressed folder.

If you are compressing multiple files in the same folder, you can save time by selecting all the files and folders (using either the CTRL or Shift key methods of selecting multiple files), right-clicking and following the above procedure.