File management is a top priority for Windows 10 users, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. Effective file compression is essential not just for saving disk space but also for streamlining backups, improving file transfers, and optimizing storage efficiency. This article explores 15 tried-and-tested file compression strategies, complete with practical insights and examples tailored for intermediate Windows 10 users.
Why Is File Compression Important on Windows 10?
File compression reduces the size of files and folders by removing redundancies and applying algorithms that pack data more efficiently. This means faster uploads/downloads, better organization, reduced storage requirements, and easier sharing.
1. Choose the Right Compression Format
Not all compression formats are equal. ZIP is the default in Windows 10, but formats like 7z, RAR, and TAR.GZ offer stronger compression ratios for certain file types. Use 7-Zip or WinRAR for advanced options and compatibility.
2. Use Glary Utilities for One-Click Compression
Glary Utilities offers an intuitive interface for compressing large folders and files. Its integrated File Compression tool lets you select multiple files, choose the compression level, and secure your archives with encryption in a few clicks—ideal for routine maintenance and freeing up drive space.
3. Split Large Archives for Easier Transfer
When dealing with files over 2GB, use a compression tool to split archives into smaller parts. WinRAR and 7-Zip allow you to set the archive size, making it easier to transfer via email or to cloud storage.
4. Exclude Unnecessary Files Before Compressing
Always review folder contents and remove junk files, logs, or temp files before archiving. Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleanup helps identify and delete these unnecessary items, ensuring you compress only what you need.
5. Compress Media Files with Specialized Tools
Audio, video, and photos are already compressed, but you can achieve further reduction by using dedicated converters before archiving. Tools like HandBrake (for video) or IrfanView (for images) can optimize files for storage without significant quality loss.
6. Use Maximum Compression Settings Carefully
While “maximum compression” yields the smallest files, it also takes more processing time. For documents and uncompressed data, use this setting. For files you need quickly, balance speed and compression level.
7. Archive Large Numbers of Small Files Together
Thousands of small files take up more space due to NTFS cluster allocation. Compress them into a single archive to save disk space and speed up transfer times.
8. Take Advantage of Windows 10 Built-in Compression
Windows Explorer lets you create and extract ZIP files without third-party software. Right-click a file or folder, choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder for basic compression tasks.
9. Secure Archives with Password Protection
When handling sensitive documents, always encrypt your archives. 7-Zip and WinRAR support AES-256 encryption. Glary Utilities also offers encryption features alongside compression, providing an extra layer of security.
10. Automate Regular Compression Tasks
Set up batch scripts or use Glary Utilities’ Scheduler to automate the compression and backup of folders such as Documents or Desktop. This ensures regular backups are always space-efficient.
11. Use Solid Compression for Similar Files
Formats like 7z offer “solid compression,” which is highly efficient for many similar files (such as text documents). This method improves the overall compression ratio significantly.
12. Remove Redundant Data with Deduplication Tools
Before compressing, run duplicate file finders (Glary Utilities’ Duplicate File Finder is excellent) to delete redundant files. This reduces archive size and saves storage.
13. Store Archives on Compressed Drives
NTFS drive compression can be enabled at the folder or drive level (right-click > Properties > Compress this drive to save disk space). This provides another layer of space savings, though with a slight performance tradeoff.
14. Test Archive Integrity
Many compression tools offer “test” options after creation. This step ensures archives are not corrupted, especially important when transferring or storing backups.
15. Keep Compression Tools Updated
Always use the latest versions of your compression utilities. Updates can provide better compression algorithms, improved speed, and critical security enhancements.
Real-World Example: Compressing a Project Folder
Suppose you need to archive a 5GB project folder containing code, documentation, and images:
1. Use Glary Utilities’ Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary temp and log files.
2. Run Duplicate File Finder to eliminate redundant images and documents.
3. Right-click the folder, choose 7-Zip > Add to archive.
4. Select 7z format, set compression level to “Ultra,” and enable password protection.
5. Split the archive into 1GB parts for cloud upload.
6. Test the archive’s integrity before moving it to storage.
Conclusion
Effective file compression on Windows 10 involves more than just zipping files. By using the right formats and tools, cleaning up before compressing, and leveraging automation, you can maximize storage efficiency, security, and ease of file management. Glary Utilities stands out as a multi-functional solution, seamlessly integrating compression, cleanup, and automation features to streamline the process for intermediate users.