File compression using the ZIP format is built into Windows 10. In this guide, we show how to zip a file in Windows 10 in three ways and how to unzip a file.

ZIP files are easily identified by their ".zip" extension in the file name, making them distinguishable from other file formats. The primary reason to unzip a ZIP file is to access its contents.

Computing 101: how to zip and unzip a file You can easily compress and extract files with your macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, or ChromeOS device by using a built-in feature.

Select “Open archive” to open the .tar.gz file in 7-Zip. In the 7-Zip window, navigate to the folder where you want to add files. Drag and drop the files you want to add into the 7-Zip window.

To open RAR files, you can use WinRAR, which is the software made by the company that invented RAR technology. To open .001 files, you need another program, such as HJSplit, 7-Zip or File Joiner.

Zipping files continues to be the best way to archive, compress, or send documents over the internet. In this guide, we'll show you the easy steps to zip and unzip files on Windows 11.