How to Create a Zip File in Windows

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Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: December 26, 2023 Tested

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This wikiHow teaches you how to compress files into a zipped folder in Windows 10.

Steps

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1. 
   1
   Press ⊞ Win+E. This opens the Windows File Explorer.
2. 
   2
   Navigate to the folder that contains files you want to zip.
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3. 
   3
   Select all files you want to add to the zip. To select multiple files at once, hold the Ctrl key as you click each file.
4. 
   4
   Right-click a selected file. A context menu will appear.
5. 
   5
   Select Send to. Additional options will expand.
6. 
   6
   Click Compressed (zipped) folder. This creates a new folder with a default file name.
7. 
   7
   Type a new name for the zip and press ↵ Enter. The selected files are now compressed into the new zip file.

   • To add additional files to the zip, just drag them to the file in the File Explorer.
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• Question

  What does the word "zip" mean?

  

  Arrogance

  Top Answerer

  "Move at high speed." The name was chosen to convey the idea that the original program that created zip files (PKZIP) was fast.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
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  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 4
• Question

  How do you compress a file?

  

  Community Answer

  Do the exact same steps as zipping a folder. Right click on the file and then send it to compress.

  Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
• Question

  Can I make a zip file from Android?

  

  Jasneet Singh Saini

  Community Answer

  Yes, you can. Download this for Android, Zip maker File Compressor. Search in Google Play.

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  Thank you for your feedback.
  If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow

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  Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

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