Need to send a folder of files in one package? Or maybe you’re downloading something that came in a .zip file and don’t know what to do with it? Zipping and unzipping files in Windows 10 is simple—and built right into the operating system. No extra software required.

Here’s how to zip and unzip files on Windows 10 in just a few clicks.

📦 What Is a ZIP File?

A ZIP file is a compressed folder that contains one or more files. It reduces file size and lets you send or store multiple files as one. Windows 10 can create and open ZIP files natively, so there’s no need for WinRAR or 7-Zip unless you’re working with other archive formats.

🔐 How to Zip Files in Windows 10

Method 1: Using Right-Click (File Explorer)

1. Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to zip
2. Right-click and choose:

Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder

3. A .zip file will appear in the same location
4. Rename it if you want by right-clicking and choosing Rename

That’s it—you’ve just zipped your files.

Method 2: Zip Multiple Files

To zip multiple files:

• Hold Ctrl and click each file you want to include
• Then right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder

Everything selected will be packed into one ZIP file.

📂 How to Unzip Files in Windows 10

Method 1: Extract All

1. Right-click the .zip file
2. Select:

Extract All...

3. Choose a destination folder
4. Click Extract

The files will be unzipped to the location you chose.

Method 2: Drag & Drop

1. Double-click the ZIP file to open it
2. Select the files you want
3. Drag them out to your desktop or another folder

This extracts the files manually without unzipping the whole archive.

🔧 Bonus: Use 3rd-Party Tools (Optional)

If you need to handle other formats like .rar, .7z, or password-protected archives, consider tools like:

• 7-Zip (free and lightweight)
• WinRAR (popular, supports many formats)
• PeaZip (open source)

For regular ZIP tasks, though, Windows 10 handles everything just fine.

✅ Final Thoughts

Whether you’re compressing files to save space or unpacking a download, ZIP files are easy to manage in Windows 10. With just a few clicks, you can zip or unzip files without any extra tools.

Need help automating zipping files or handling different archive types? Drop a comment—I’ll help you out.