How to Create a Zip File in Windows

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to compress files into a zipped folder in Windows 10.

Steps

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This opens the Windows File Explorer.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-2-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-2-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-3-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-3-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To select multiple files at once, hold the Ctrl key as you click each file.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-4-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-4-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A context menu will appear.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e5\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-5-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-5-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Additional options will expand.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8b\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This creates a new folder with a default file name.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid10042830-v4-728px-Create-a-Zip-File-in-Windows-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The selected files are now compressed into the new zip file.
    • To add additional files to the zip, just drag them to the file in the File Explorer.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    What does the word "zip" mean?
    Arrogance
    Top Answerer
    "Move at high speed." The name was chosen to convey the idea that the original program that created zip files (PKZIP) was fast.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 3
  • Question
    How do you compress a file?
    Community Answer
    Do the exact same steps as zipping a folder. Right click on the file and then send it to compress.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
  • Question
    Can I make a zip file from Android?
    Jasneet Singh Saini
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. Download this for Android, Zip maker File Compressor. Search in Google Play.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      2 Ways to Turn Off S Mode on a Windows 11 PC
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to Find Your Windows Product Key
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      How to
      Enter BIOS
      How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More
      Installing Windows After Ubuntu: A Step-by-Step Guide
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      2 Ways to Alter the Size of Your Windows Desktop Taskbar
      How to
      Zoom Out on a PC
      How to Stop Windows from Freezing: Easy Troubleshooting Guide
      Advertisement

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Open File Explorer .
      2. Select files to zip.
      3. Right-click the selected files.
      4. Select Send to .
      5. Click Compressed (zipped) folder .
      6. Name the file and press Enter .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 64,874 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement