Zip / unzip
Create archives for sharing and extract archives you receive.
Zip / unzip
Explorer supports everyday archive work:
- create a zip for sharing
- extract a zip you received
Compress to ZIP (create an archive)
Use Compress to ZIP on a selection when you want a real archive of files/folders.
Details that matter:
- The archive is created in the current folder.
- Selected items must be in the current folder (compressing a “mix” from different folders is intentionally blocked).
- Archive names are made unique automatically (no overwrites by accident).
Extract All (unzip)
Use Extract All on one or more .zip files.
Explorer extracts into a new folder:
- folder name is based on the zip name
- if the folder name already exists, Explorer picks a unique name
What “Zip Archive” means in the New menu
The New → Zip Archive action creates an empty .zip placeholder file.
If your goal is “zip these files”, use Compress to ZIP instead.
Practical tips
- Use clear file names before zipping (future-you will thank you).
- Don’t zip huge folders “just in case” - it wastes time and space.