File compression is an essential skill for anyone managing files and folders on Windows 10, whether you’re trying to save disk space, speed up file transfers, or simplify backups. With a variety of tools and methods available, it’s important to choose the right strategies for your needs. This guide explores the five most effective file compression techniques for Windows 10, providing practical steps, tips, and expert insights for both beginners and advanced users.
Why Use File Compression on Windows 10?
File compression reduces the size of files and folders, making storage more efficient and data transfers faster. Whether you’re emailing documents, archiving old projects, or freeing up hard drive space, mastering compression techniques will save you time and resources.
1. Using Windows 10’s Built-in ZIP Compression
For Beginners
Windows 10 includes simple built-in support for ZIP files, which lets you compress files or folders without any extra software.
How to Compress with ZIP:
1. Select the files or folders you want to compress.
2. Right-click your selection.
3. Choose “Send to” > “Compressed (zipped) folder.”
4. A new .zip file will appear in the same location.
This method is ideal for quick compression and sharing, especially when sending files via email or cloud services.
For Advanced Users
You can password-protect ZIP archives using third-party tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR for added security, as Windows’ built-in tool lacks this feature.
2. Leveraging Third-Party Compression Programs
For Beginners
Tools like 7-Zip and WinRAR offer enhanced compression ratios and support for multiple formats (e.g., RAR, 7z). They also feature easy drag-and-drop interfaces.
Simple Steps with 7-Zip:
1. Download and install 7-Zip.
2. Right-click a file or folder.
3. Select “7-Zip” > “Add to archive.”
4. Choose your desired format (e.g., 7z for better compression).
5. Click “OK” to create the archive.
For Advanced Users
Experiment with different compression levels and formats in 7-Zip or WinRAR. For example, the 7z format often yields smaller files than ZIP, especially for large datasets or software projects. Advanced users can also script batch compressions or integrate these tools into automated backup workflows.
3. Compressing Files at the NTFS File System Level
For Advanced Users
Windows 10’s NTFS file system supports built-in compression, which allows you to compress files and folders directly without creating archives.
How to Enable NTFS Compression:
1. Right-click a file or folder.
2. Select “Properties.”
3. Click the “Advanced…” button.
4. Check “Compress contents to save disk space” and click “OK.”
5. Apply changes to the folder, subfolders, and files as prompted.
Pros:
– Transparent compression: Files appear and open normally.
– Useful for infrequently accessed files or large data archives.
Cons:
– May impact performance on slower drives.
– Not suitable for files you use regularly or require fastest access to.
4. Splitting Large Archives for Easier Transfer
For Beginners
When sending large files (e.g., videos, backups) via email or cloud, splitting them into smaller parts can help avoid upload limits.
How to Split Archives with 7-Zip:
1. Follow the steps to create an archive with 7-Zip.
2. In the “Add to Archive” window, set a value in the “Split to volumes, bytes” field (e.g., 100M for 100 MB).
3. 7-Zip will produce multiple parts. To extract, simply open the first part with 7-Zip.
For Advanced Users
Customize split sizes according to the intended medium (e.g., 4.7GB for DVDs, 700MB for CDs). This method is also useful for creating multi-part backups.
5. Cleaning Up and Removing Old or Redundant Archives
For Beginners
Over time, old archives consume valuable space. Regularly review and delete outdated ZIP, RAR, or 7z files.
Steps to Clean Up:
1. Open File Explorer and search for *.zip, *.rar, or *.7z.
2. Sort by date or size.
3. Delete archives you no longer need, but always double-check before permanent removal.
For Advanced Users
Automate cleanup with scripts or use system optimization tools for comprehensive management.
How Glary Utilities Can Help
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive Windows optimization suite that simplifies file and folder management, including:
– Duplicate File Finder: Detect and remove duplicate archives to free up space.
– Disk Cleaner: Locate and delete old compressed files or temporary archives.
– File Splitter & Joiner: Split large files for easier transfer and restore them when needed.
By integrating Glary Utilities into your workflow, you can efficiently maintain your compressed files, optimize storage, and keep your system clutter-free—all in a user-friendly interface.
Conclusion
By mastering these five file compression strategies on Windows 10, you can make file management more efficient, secure, and organized. From the convenience of built-in tools to the advanced features of third-party utilities and system optimizers like Glary Utilities, there’s a solution for every user. Start with the basics, and gradually explore more advanced techniques as your needs grow.