Compressing files on Windows can be achieved in three ways. First, use the right-click menu: select the file and right-click to select "Send to" > "Zipped folder", and the system will automatically generate the ZIP file; secondly, through the "Compression" function of File Explorer: After selecting the file, click "Compress as ZIP file" in the "Home" tab, enter the file name and select the save location; finally, if you need more functions such as password protection, volume compression, etc., you can install third-party tools such as WinRAR or 7-Zip, which provide higher flexibility and support for multiple compression formats.

Compressing files is actually very simple on Windows and can be completed in just a few steps. Whether it is necessary to reduce the size of the attachment when sending an email, or to organize information to facilitate backup, packaging in ZIP format is a very practical method.

Right-click the menu to compress directly

This is the most common and fastest way. If you just want to package a few files or folders, you can do it with the right-click menu.

• Open File Explorer and find the file or folder you want to compress
• Right-click one or more of the selected files
• Select Send to > Zipped folder in the pop-up menu

The system will automatically generate a new ZIP file with the name similar to the file you selected. The default is "New compressed file.zip". You can change the name and save it, or you can use it directly.

This method is suitable for daily use by ordinary users, simple and does not require additional software.

Use the Compression feature of File Explorer

The new version of Windows 10 and Windows 11 Explorer also supports more intuitive operation methods:

1. Open the folder and select the file you want to compress
2. Click the Home tab in the top menu bar
3. Find the "Compress" button in the toolbar. After clicking, you can select "Compress as ZIP file"

At this time, a dialog box will pop up to enter the compressed file name and select the save location. The advantage of this method is that the interface is clear and suitable for people who are not very familiar with right-click operations.

Note: After the compression is completed, the original file will not be deleted automatically. If you are sure that it is not needed, remember to clean it manually.

Need more features? Try third-party tools

If you want to set a password, volume compression, or want a higher compression rate, the system's own functions may not be enough. At this time, you can consider installing tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip .

They support more formats (such as RAR, 7Z), and also give you more flexibility in controlling the compression process. For example:

• Encrypted password protection for compressed packages
• Split large files into multiple small packages (volume compression)
• Custom compression level (faster or smaller)

After installation, it is usually done through the right-click menu. It is similar to the system's own method, except that there are a few more options.

In general, it is not difficult to compress files on Windows, and the system's own functions can meet the basic needs of most people. If you occasionally have more complex needs, just consider installing a third-party tool. Basically that's it.

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