ZIP files are extensively used in Windows 11 to compress files. This means that the file is reduced in size via compression.
Windows 11 itself can handle ZIP files directly. No tools are required to create or extract (“.zip”) files. Although Windows 11 already has this kind of basic functionality, there are other ways to work with ZIP files. One of these ways is via WinZip.
WinZip is a tool developed by Corel that allows you to compress and extract files. To put it more simply, it helps you make files smaller by zipping them and also allows you to extract or decompress files in Zip format. WinZip also offers additional features such as encrypting files to keep them safe, easy file sharing, and backing up Zip files. Moreover, it contains features that allow you to can find duplicate files, split large files into smaller parts and various other useful options.
In this guide you will read about the basic functionality in WinZip.
Download and use WinZip in Windows 11
Download WinZip for Windows 11
WinZip is no longer free software. This was the case in the past, but is now a shareware app. This means that you can use it temporarily before you have to purchase it. Go to: https://www.winzip.com/nl/ via the browser. Then click on the “try it for free” button to download the shareware version.
Then install WinZip by completing the installation procedure.
The first time you open WinZip on your computer, you should use the trial version. Click on the “Use Evaluation Version” button.
Link WinZip to ZIP files
When opening WinZip, I recommend starting by linking the WinZip app to all “.zip” files. This is not the case by default. As mentioned earlier, Windows 11 opens all ZIP files with Explorer. If you want to link the WinZip app to all “.zip” type files, you can do this as follows.
Right-click on a ZIP file. In the menu click on “properties”. Click on the “general” tab and click on the “change” button in the “open with” settings.
Select the default app for .zip files by clicking “WinZip” in the “suggested apps”. Then click on “Set default location” at the bottom to confirm.
In the future, all ZIP files will always be opened with WinZip.
Create ZIP file with WinZip
There are two ways to create a .zip or .zipx file with WinZip. The first way is via the WinZip app itself and the second way is via the context menu in Windows 11.
Create a ZIP file via the WinZip app
To get started, create a new ZIP file by clicking “File” in the menu. Then click “New” and click on the type of ZIP file you want to create, for example a standard “.zip” file or a “.zipx” file.
Your new ZIP file is now open in WinZip itself. On the left, you can use the file explorer to navigate to the files or folders you want to add to the new ZIP file. Then click on the files or folders you want to add and click “add to zip” at the bottom.
You will now see an overview of the compressed data. How much the file has been reduced and how much space you have saved through this compression. Click “OK” to close this window.
To then save the new ZIP file to your computer, click “Save As” in the “Actions” window.
You can also create a ZIP file from the context menu in Windows 11
Create ZIP file via Windows 11 context menu
To do this, right-click on the file or folder that you want to add to a new ZIP file. You can select multiple files or folders at the same time.
Then click on “WinZip” in the context menu, click “WinZip” again and then “Add to/Move to ZIP file”. Alternatively, you can create a ZIP file directly by clicking “Add to…zip”. The final file name then depends on the file name of the files you want to compress.
Extract ZIP file with WinZip
There are also two ways to extract a ZIP or ZIPX file with WinZip. You can extract a ZIP file via WinZip itself or directly via the Windows 11 context menu.
Extract ZIP file with the WinZip app
Open the WinZip app. Go to the location where the .zip file is located via the file explorer in the WinZip app. Click on the .zip file and click “Open Zip” at the bottom.
You will then see the contents. To extract the contents, click on the “extract to” button on the right. You will see a default location. This is the same location where the ZIP file is located. If you want to use a different location to extract the contents to, click the arrow.
You can now choose a new location via the file explorer. Click on “unpack” at the bottom to confirm. The contents of the ZIP file have now been extracted to the chosen location.
Extract ZIP file via Windows 11 context menu
A faster way to extract a ZIP file with Windows 11 is via the context menu.
Right-click on the .zip file. Click “WinZip,” click “WinZip” again and click “Extract Here” or “Extract To” for a chosen location. The contents will now be extracted and available in the chosen location.
Encrypt ZIP file with WinZip
In WinZip, various tools are available for ZIP file. One tool is to secure a ZIP file by encrypting it. If you encrypt a ZIP file you protect it ZIP file by protecting it with a password. Anyone who wants to open the ZIP file must first enter a password to view the contents.
Open the WinZip app. Click on the “extra” tab. In the ribbon click on “Encrypt”.
You will now see a warning that you should be aware of the pros and cons of encrypting a ZIP file. Press F1 for more information.
Now set a password for the ZIP file twice. This password must comply with local computer policy. If you have never changed it before, the password must consist of at least 8 characters.
Other WinZip tools and conclusion
There are even more functions available in WinZip that can serve as an aid. For example, there is a tool to find duplicate files on your PC. There is also one PDF conversion tool available, you can divide ZIP file into pieces, backup your PC as well as share ZIP files directly through the app.
Conclusion
Would I Recommend WinZip? No. There are much better tools available to create and open zip files. For example, there is 7 ZIPs which also works fine. 7 ZIP has all the basic WinZip functionality, but for free and without all the other tools.
The extra tools in WinZip are useful when you need them, but not much else. However, there are people who swear by WinZip especially from the past. I hope to have informed you with this. Thank you for reading!