How to Create a ZIP Folder in Windows 10

Creating a compressed archive of files and folders can be a convenient way to share or store data. In Windows 10, you have two methods to create a ZIP folder: using the File Explorer app or the Command Prompt.

Method 1: Zipping a file using the File Explorer

The easiest method to zip a folder in Windows 10 is through the File Explorer app. To do this, follow these steps:

Ensure all files necessary are inside this folder. Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder you'd like to compress. Highlight the folder by clicking on it once. Right-click on the highlighted folder and select 'Send To' from the dropdown menu. Choose the 'Compress Folder' option.

Depending on the number and size of the files you're compressing, you may receive a progress window. After completion, a zip file with the same name as the folder you compressed should appear in the same location.

Method 2: Zipping a file using the Command Line (cmd)

Alternatively, you can use the Command Prompt to create a ZIP folder. To do this, follow these steps:

Use the following command to create a zip folder: navigate to the folder you'd like to compress and open the Command Prompt. You can do this by opening the Windows Pane at the far left of your taskbar and typing 'cmd.'

First, navigate to the folder you'd like to compress by typing 'cd' followed by the path to the folder. For example, if the folder is located on your desktop, you would type 'cd desktop' and press Enter.

Once you're in the correct directory, type 'zip 'filename'.zip *' (without brackets or braces) and press Enter. Replace 'filename' with the name you'd like to give your zip file. Ensure all files necessary are inside this folder.

A zip file with the same name as the folder you compressed should appear in the same location. You can rename this file however you'd like, as long as the new name still includes the '.zip' extension.

Zip and Unzip Files and Folders on Mac

For those using a Mac, compressing files and folders is also a straightforward process. To do this:

Begin by opening File Explorer and navigating to the folder you'd like to compress. Control-click (or tap with two fingers) on the folder and select 'Compress' from the shortcut menu.

This method is similar to the one used in Windows 10, but the steps are slightly different. However, the end result is the same: a compressed archive of your files and folders.

In conclusion, creating a ZIP folder in Windows 10 can be done using either the File Explorer app or the Command Prompt. Both methods allow you to compress files and folders into a single archive, making it easier to share or store data.

How to create zip folder windows 10