To make a ZIP file in Windows, right-click the files and/or folders that should be in the archive and then choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. In Windows 11, you'll need to select Show ...

When you "zip" a file, you'll compress its data and reduce how much space it takes up on your computer or phone.

Don't how to create or unpack a ZIP file using a Chromebook? Here are easy instructions that don't require third-party software, along with two alternatives.

Windows ME/XP/2003 have built in ZIP file support. It is therefore, very easy to make and extract ZIP files using these operating systems.