How to Unzip and Zip Files on Windows and Mac

Eddie Bingham | Hints & Tips | 13th November 2024

Introduction:

File compression and decompression are essential for sharing large amounts of data efficiently. Zipping files reduces their size, making them easier to send or store, while unzipping allows you to access the contents. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of zipping and unzipping files on both Windows and Mac.

How to Zip and Unzip Files on Windows

Zipping Files on Windows

1. Select Files: Locate the files you want to compress. You can select multiple files by holding down the Ctrl key while clicking each file.
2. Right-Click and Choose Compress: Right-click the selected files, hover over Send to, and choose Compressed (zipped) folder.
3. Rename (Optional): A .zip file will be created in the same folder. You can rename it by right-clicking the .zip file and selecting Rename.

Unzipping Files on Windows

1. Locate the .zip File: Find the .zip file you want to open.
2. Right-Click and Extract: Right-click the file and choose Extract All. This will open the extraction wizard.
3. Select Destination and Extract: Choose where you want the files to be extracted, then click Extract. The files will be unpacked and ready for use in the selected folder.

How to Zip and Unzip Files on Mac

Zipping Files on Mac

1. Select Files: Choose the files or folders you want to compress by holding down the Command key while clicking each one.
2. Right-Click and Compress: Right-click on any selected file and select Compress [number] Items.
   • If you are compressing a single file, it will be saved as filename.zip.
   • For multiple files, it will be saved as Archive.zip. You can rename it if desired.

Unzipping Files on Mac

1. Locate the .zip File: Find the compressed .zip file.
2. Double-Click to Extract: Simply double-click the file, and MacOS will automatically extract the contents to a new folder in the same location.

Additional Tips:

• Create Password-Protected .Zip Files: Many third-party applications, like 7-Zip for Windows or Keka for Mac, can help you create password-protected .zip files for added security.
• Use Third-Party Tools: If you need additional features like advanced compression options, tools like WinRAR or The Unarchiver (for Mac) can provide more functionality.

Contact Us

If you encounter issues or need further assistance with zipping and unzipping files, feel free to reach out to us at EB IT Support LTD for support!

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