How To: Zip and Unzip Files on Windows and Mac

Need to bundle several files into one, or open a ZIP file someone sent you? Here's how to zip and unzip files on Windows and Mac computers.

In this article

Zip files

Computer
Steps
Windows
Select the files or folder, right-click, then choose Compress to ZIP file. (On some versions, choose Compress to > ZIP File.) Rename the new ZIP file if you like.
Mac
Select the files or folder, Control-click (or right-click), then choose Compress. A file named Archive.zip, or the item's name with .zip, appears next to it.

Unzip files

Computer
Steps
Windows
Right-click the ZIP file, choose Extract All, pick a location, then select Extract. Work from the extracted files, not from inside the ZIP.
Mac
Double-click the ZIP file. The files appear in a folder next to it.

Zipping won't shrink photos, videos, or PDFs much. To send something large, share a OneDrive link instead. See How To: Share a File Securely from Teams or OneDrive.

Be careful with ZIP files you didn't expect

ZIP files are a common way to hide harmful files. Don't open one from someone you don't know or weren't expecting. See Safe Downloading: How to Avoid Harmful Files.

Get help

Still need help? Contact the IT Service Desk:

  • Call: 612.343.4170
  • Visit: Miller Hall 226
  • Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.–9 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT
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