Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7

By John Campbell

Why would you want to create a compressed folder in Windows 7?

Well, once you create a compressed folder, you can store your files in compressed form until you need them.

This can save valuable disk space.

Here are the steps…

1. Open My Documents folder in Libraries.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

2. Right-click on a blank area of My Documents folder.

3. In the right-click menu, select New.

4. In the side menu, select Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

5. The Compressed (zipped) Folders appears in My Documents folder.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

6. While it is highlighted, type a suitable name for it.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

7. Next, it’s time to select files and drag them into the Compressed folder.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7
Note: In the newly created Compressed Folder, called Important Files, you have to choose whether to copy or move the files.

You’ll be saving hard disk space if you choose the latter as the files are zipped up.

8. Once you’ve done this, release the mouse button and when the pop-up menu appears, choose Move.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

9. Windows moves the files into the Compress folder and compresses them.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

10. To view the compressed files, double-click on the Compressed folder.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

11. The Compressed Folder, Important Files opens.

Tip! If you switch to Details view you will see more details about the compression details.

Creating a compressed folder in Windows 7, compressed folder, Windows 7

A Final Note or two!

  • You can use these compression techniques for compressing picture files, music clips, movie clips as well as documents.
  • You can drag and move any file into a compressed folder and it will automatically be compressed.
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