Managing Archive Formats in Windows 11

Introduction

• Overview of creating, extracting, and managing archive formats (e.g., ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR) in Windows 11.
• New features in File Explorer for managing archives starting from version 24H2.
• Limitations for Windows 11 version 23H2: only open and extract archives.

Steps to Manage ZIP Files

Creating ZIP Files

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to the desired files/folders location.
2. Right-click on the files/folders.
3. Select the Compress to ZIP file option.
4. Alternatively, use Additional options to open the wizard for ZIP creation.
5. Set compression method and level (e.g., Deflate).
6. Click Create to generate the ZIP file.

Extracting ZIP Files

1. Double-click the ZIP file or right-click and select Open.
2. Browse contents, right-click to Copy desired files.
3. Select extraction location, paste the files.
4. For full extraction, use Extract all button, set destination, and click Extract.

Managing 7z Files

Creating 7z Files

1. Navigate to the files/folders in File Explorer.
2. Right-click and select Compress to > 7z file.
3. Use Additional options for advanced settings.
4. Choose compression method and set level.
5. Click Create to generate the 7z file.

Extracting 7z Files

1. Double-click the 7z file or right-click and select Open.
2. Browse contents, right-click to Copy desired files.
3. Paste files in the chosen location.
4. For full extraction, select Extract all button, set path, click Extract.

Working with TAR Files

Creating TAR Files

1. Navigate to files/folders in File Explorer.
2. Right-click, select Compress to > TAR file.
3. Use Additional options for more settings.
4. Choose among TAR formats (e.g., GNU, bz2, xz, zst).
5. Set compression method and level.
6. Click Create to generate the TAR file.

Extracting TAR Files

1. Double-click the TAR file or right-click and select Open.
2. Browse contents, right-click to Copy desired files.
3. Paste files in the chosen location.
4. For full extraction, select Extract all, set path, click Extract.

Handling RAR Files

• Only possible to open and extract RAR files, not create them.

1. Double-click RAR file or right-click and select Open.
2. Browse contents, copy desired files, and paste to the target location.
3. Use Extract all to extract everything, set destination, click Extract.

Limitations

• No support for archives with password protection or encryption.
• Error occurs when attempting to open/extract encrypted archives.
• Recommended to use third-party tools for encrypted archives.
• No native commands for creating 7z in PowerShell or Command Prompt.

Conclusion

• Summary of functionalities for managing ZIP, 7z, TAR, and RAR files in Windows 11.
• Encouragement to use the new features in File Explorer version 24H2.
• Reminder to like, comment, and subscribe.