Folders are a very useful organization tool in Windows 7. They allow you to minimize clutter in larger folders by creating a sort of filing system.
But creating a folder does nothing to minimize the size of the files contained in them, and you can’t send an entire folder via email. This is where the ability to create a zip folder in Windows 7 comes in handy.
By compressing a file or folder, you not only reduce the size of the file, but also make it much easier to send. a large number of files in one email. Your recipient will simply receive the single zip file, which they can then unzip on their own computer to view all the files.
Our guide below will show you how to zip a file or folder. on Windows 7, using only the default compression utility that is part of the operating system. This will create a zip file in the same location as the file or folder you are choosing to compress.
How to create a zip file in Windows 7
- Right – click the file to compress.
- Choose Send To.
- Select the Compressed (zipped) folder option.
- Type a name for the zip file, then press Enter.
Our guide continues below with additional information and images for these steps.
How to Compress a File or Folder in Windows 7 (Picture Guide)
The steps in this article were performed on Windows 7, but will also work on other versions of Windows such as Windows 8 or Windows 10. Note that these steps will create a new file in the same folder, with a file name you can specify.
Step 1 – Browse for the file or folder you want to compress.
Step 2: Right-click the file to bring up the context menu.
Step 3: Click the Send To option , and then click ck Compressed (zipped) folder.
Step 4: Enter the desired name for your compressed file, then press the Enter key on your keyboard.
You can now attach this file to an email or move it around like you would any other type of file on your computer.
As mentioned above , I found that the most useful aspect of compressing files or folders in Windows 7 is for email purposes. Email providers can’t handle folders, and sending a large number of files individually can be a bit of a hassle for the person receiving the message.
If you send a zip file, all your contacts receive it in one attachment with a single zipped file, which they can then unzip on their own. This does nothing to the actual files it contains.
Compressing a file or group of files also compresses them, which, in many situations, actually reduces the size of the files. In some cases, this size reduction can be substantial, so if you’re close to the limits of what your email provider will allow you to send, compressing files can help keep you under the limit. With this knowledge in hand, you can follow the steps above to create a zip file in Windows 7.
If you’re having problems with zipping files on your computer, check out this article on how to set the default zip file . program on your Windows 7 computer.
There are other compression applications for Windows, such as PeaZip and 7Zip, that some people prefer to use when compressing files. But for many people with limited compression needs, the Windows option is fine.
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See Also
- How to Connect an Xbox Controller in Windows 10
- How to create a zip file in Windows 10
- How to enable the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10
- Where is the control panel in Windows 10?
- How to change screen resolution in Windows 10
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