1. How to compress a file Windows

Before getting started, please note that you can compress both files and folders. The purpose of compression is, as the name suggests, to create a file that takes up less space, but also to have a single file that contains several files and/or folders. This is especially useful when you want to send multiple files to someone in certain situations.

Windows creates *.ZIP files, but it can extract several types of compressed files.

To create a compressed file, start by gathering all the files and folders you want to include in the same archive. You can place them on the Windows desktop or inside a new folder that you create.

Once your files are grouped together, select all of them using the mouse, then right-click and choose « Compress to… ZIP file »:

The created folder will be placed in the same location you are currently in: Desktop, Documents, etc.
Please note that Windows automatically assigns a name to the created ZIP archive (it usually uses the name of the file you right-clicked on when creating the compressed file).

To change the name of the compressed file, right-click on it and choose Rename.

The archive is created more or less quickly depending on the number and size of the files being compressed, as well as the performance of your computer.

2. How to decompress a file in Windows

If you have a ZIP or RAR file to extract, Windows can decompress it without any problem, without using third-party software.
If you are using Windows 11 (version 23H2 or later), you can even extract 12 different compressed file formats (RAR, 7-Zip, Tar.gz, etc.).

To extract a compressed file, simply right-click on it and choose “Extract All…”:

In the window that opens, choose the destination folder where the extracted folder will be placed.
Here, a folder named “Paysage 2” will be created on the Desktop. Then click “Extract”:

You can now access your files freely: open them, edit them, or print them:

3. How to Compress or Decompress Files Using 7-Zip

If you are using an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or 8, you may not be able to compress or extract files using the Windows context menu (right-click on a file). Likewise, if you want to extract compressed files that are not ZIP or RAR files, you won’t be able to do it without third-party software.

The free software 7-Zip allows you to create compressed files in the *.7z format, as well as in several other formats, such as *.ZIP. 7-Zip also lets you extract many types of compressed files.

You can download the software from the official website by selecting the Windows X64 version. Once the software is installed on your PC, select the files you want to compress and click “Show more options” if you are using Windows 11. If you are using an older version of Windows, proceed to the next step.

In the context menu that appears, select 7-Zip, then choose “Add to Desktop.zip”:

The compressed folder will then appear on the Desktop or in the location you are currently in within File Explorer.

To extract a compressed file with 7-Zip, right-click on it, select 7-Zip, then choose “Extract to”:

You can now use your files. See also how to create a folder easily in Windows 10 or 11.