How To Zip A File

This demonstrates how to zip and unzip files and folders using either Windows 7 or the free program, 7-Zip.

Zipping a file in Windows 7

Right-click on the file and choose Send to and then Compressed (zipped) folder. This will simply create a zip file of the same name next to the original file. Of course, you can do the same thing with a folder.

You won’t have any choice about compression type, compression level or adding a password.

If you want options, download and install 7-Zip.

Zipping a file with 7-Zip

After installation, 7-Zip will be in your context menu. Again, right-click on the file. Click 7-Zip and then Add to archive.

Add to Archive in 7-Zip

On this next window the default options are fine. Add a password if you want to. (Remember what it is.) And click OK.

Unzipping a file with Windows 7

Right-click on a zip file. Click Open with and then Windows Explorer.

Password protected zip files

If the zip file has been password-protected, it will ask you to enter the password before you can open the file.

If it doesn’t require a password it will open as usual and you can move the file wherever you want.

Unzipping a file with 7-Zip

Right-click on the zip file. Click 7-Zip and then Extract to “…”. This will open the file into a folder of the same name.

Again, if it’s a password-protected file it will ask you to enter the password before opening.