File compression in Windows 11 helps manage storage space and simplifies sharing multiple files. Windows 11 offers multiple approaches to compress files, from basic built-in tools to advanced third-party solutions.
Method 1: Built-in zip compression
The quickest way to compress files in Windows 11 uses the native ZIP compression tool through File Explorer.
- Launch File Explorer with Windows+E or click the This PC icon on your desktop.
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Browse to your target file or folder. For multiple items, group them in one folder first.
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Right-click the item and select “Compress to ZIP file” from the menu.
- Name your new ZIP file and press Enter.
- Double-click to view contents, or right-click and choose “Extract All” to decompress.
Method 2: NTFS file compression
Windows 11 includes NTFS compression for automatic file size reduction without creating separate archives.
- Open File Explorer using Windows+E or the This PC icon.
- Right-click your target file or folder and select “Properties”.
- Click “Advanced” in the General tab.
- Enable “Compress contents to save disk space” and click OK.
- Choose compression scope when prompted and click OK. Compressed items appear in blue text.
Method 3: Drive-wide compression
Apply compression across an entire drive automatically:
- In File Explorer, right-click your drive and select “Properties”.
- Check “Compress this drive to save disk space” and click Apply.
- Select full drive compression when prompted and click OK.
Method 4: WinRAR compression
For advanced compression options:
- Download WinRAR from www.win-rar.com/download.
- Save the installer file.
- Run the installer by double-clicking.
- Click Install with default settings.
- Select file associations and click OK.
- Complete installation by clicking Done.
- Right-click files, hover over WinRAR, select “Add to archive…”.
- Configure compression settings and click OK to create archive.
