How to create 7z or TAR files from File Explorer in Windows 11

With Windows 11, a much-needed feature has been added, wherein it supports making 7z and TAR files right in File Explorer. This negates the need to depend on third-party utility compression or any other method to create an archive or compress files in whichever format.

This feature is, without a doubt, one of the most welcome changes to Windows 11, but it is still not available across the board. This facility has been launched by Microsoft to users in due course of time. Based on the update schedule, users get this feature earlier or later than others. It is best if you keep your Windows 11 up to date for this functionality to pop up once it's available in your area.

Once enabled, it would be possible to create 7z or TAR files by right-clicking on a folder or selection of files, choosing "Compress to," and then deciding which archive format you want. It is so easy that doing such becomes almost straightforward and simple to maintain your files and share with other users.

Create 7z or TAR Files from File Explorer in Windows 11

To create 7z or TAR files from the context menu in File Explorer:

Open File Explorer and go to the folder where your files are. Click with Ctrl pressed to select files. Compress to Archive: Right-click on selected files and click "Compress to". Click on "7z" or "TAR". Customize settings optional: If necessary, change the level of compression or protect the archive with a password. Click "OK" to create the compressed file.

Create a 7z File Natively in Windows 11

To compress any files into a 7z archive with settings:

Select Files: Open File Explorer and select one or more files or folders you want to compress.

Open Compression Options: Right-click and click "Compress to" > "Additional options."

Configure Settings: In the Create Archive wizard, do the following:

Archive Format: Under "Format," ensure that "7z" is selected.

Location: Under "Archive," select where the archive will be saved underneath which folder.

Compression Method: Under "Compression method," use one of the available methods, such as "LZMA2" by default or "Deflate."

Compression Level: Adjust the level here within a range from 0 to 9, where 0 is the fastest and 9 is the smallest.

Link Options: Check "Retain symbolic links" and "Retain hard links" if necessary.

Create Archive: Click "Create" to actually create the 7z file.

Note: You can do a fast compress without changing any of these options by simply right-clicking and choosing "Compress to" >> "7z File."

Create a Native TAR File in Windows 11

Creating a TAR file is somewhat the same in concept as creating a 7z file.

Quick Compress:

Choose Files: Select the files and/or folders you want to archive. 

Compress to TAR: Right click and choose "Compress to" > "TAR File."

Special Compress

Choose Files: Select the file you wish to archive.

Open Compressing Options: Right click and choose "Compress to" > "Additional options."

Set Preferences: In Create Archive app

Destination: If you would like, you can change the destination folder.

Archive Format: Choose a TAR format from the menu choices that includes "GNU" and "POSIX pax interchange."

Compression Method and Level: You can adjust the options depending on your preference for compression.

Retain Symbolic Links: This box must be checked.

Create Archive: With all options set, you can click the "Create" button now to build the TAR file.

Make sure your operating system, Windows 11, is updated to have the features listed above. To further specify how to set up the best compression option, or in case of how to extract them, refer to Microsoft's official documentation on Windows.