Formats8 of 20
Protection0 of 29
Tools5 of 22
Systems0 of 9
Price8 of 20
file compression program · Microsoft
Windows compressed folders
The zip and unzip feature in Windows 10 and 11 File Explorer, which does not support encrypted archives.
In short
- Microsoft's page covers zipping and unzipping in Windows 10 and 11 File Explorer and names no separate download or price1.
- Right-click, then Show more options, then Send to, then Compressed (zipped) folder, makes a ZIP1.
- Windows 11 version 24H2 supports ZIP, RAR, 7z and TAR archives1.
- Windows 11 24H2 does not support operations on encrypted archives1.
- Microsoft points users to tools such as 7-Zip or WinRAR for encrypted archives1.
Windows compressed folders suits quick zipping and unzipping when you do not want another program1. It reads RAR, 7z and TAR archives on Windows 11 24H21. The catch: Microsoft says it does not support operations on encrypted archives and points users to 7-Zip or WinRAR1.
Best for: People who only need to zip and unzip files and want nothing to install.
Where the points come from
Formats 8 of 20 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Archive types you can create | ZIP, 7zPage describes making ZIP folders; its FAQ says 24H2 supports compression and decompression of formats including 7-Zip1. | 4 / 12 |
| Archive types you can open | RAR, 7zFAQ says Windows 11 24H2 supports ZIP, RAR, 7z and TAR archives. ISO and CAB are not listed1. | 4 / 8 |
Protection 0 of 29 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| AES-256 encryption | NoThe page describes no password option and says 24H2 does not support operations on encrypted archive files1. | 0 / 12 |
| Hides file names | NoNo encryption option is documented; the page sends users to third-party tools for encrypted archives1. | 0 / 7 |
| Repair of damaged archives | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 5 |
| Open source | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 5 |
Tools 5 of 22 points
| Rule | What is published | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Split into volumes | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 6 |
| Self-extracting archives | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 3 |
| Command line | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 5 |
| File Explorer menu | YesRight-click menu has Send to, Compressed (zipped) folder, and Extract All1. | 5 / 5 |
| Portable version | Not publishedNot published on Microsoft's Zip and unzip page1. | 0 / 3 |
Systems 0 of 9 points
Price 8 of 20 points
The rule behind each line: how we score file compression programs.
Plans and prices
As the vendor lists them, before tax. Prices are in US dollars unless the plan shows euros; the points use US dollars, with euros converted at the ECB rate.
| Plan | Price as listed | Per month | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows File Explorer1 person | Free1 | $0 | Feature of Windows 10 and 11; no price listed [1] |
No edition makes AES-256 archives, so the price line has no value.
Strengths
Other file compression programs
- 1PeaZipPeople who want a free archiver with file-name encryption and many formats95/100$0cost for the first year
- 27-ZipPeople who want a free, open-source archiver with strong encryption91/100$0cost for the first year
- 3
NanaZipWindows 11 users who want 7-Zip's features with a File Explorer menu87/100$0cost for the first year - 4BandizipPeople who want a free Windows archiver with an Explorer menu83/100$0cost for the first year
Sources
- Zip and unzip files, Microsoft Support. Accessed 9 Oct 2026.
Website: www.microsoft.com/windows · Markdown version · We are not affiliated with Microsoft.