Best File Compression Software or Archivers for Windows 11

Backup software is excellent for backups to reduce file size to save disk space in Windows 11. In addition, file compression can be beneficial when you need to send a large amount of data by email.

Different archiving software or compression software has data compression formats like RAR, ZIP or 7z and has additional functionality for encryption, integration into other services, etc. In addition, in Windows 11, the ZIP format is included by default and integrated into the system, eliminating the need for third-party software.

In this guide, we will analyze the best accessible archives or compression software for Windows 11 and test which default archiver compresses better to save space.

List of Best File Compression Software for Windows 11

1. Zip from the Windows context menu

If you are not a fan of downloading and using third-party programs, then in Windows 11, the ZIP format is built into the system. You will not find additional encryption functions, you will be unable to put a password on the archive, but the only library and unpack the data.

The convenience of ZIP is that it is integrated into cloud services like OneDrive, Google Disk, and Yandex Disk. The ZIP format is trendy and may be used by other services by default. Also, to zip files in Windows 11, you need to right-click on the folder or files ” Send “> ” Compressed ZIP Folder “.

Advantages

Built into Windows 11 by default
No need to download third-party software
ZIP format is integrated into other services
Packed and unpacked in a couple of clicks
It Opens the zip folder directly in windows explorer

Disadvantages

There are no additional features
Compresses are not as efficiently as software
Doesn’t open formats of other archivers like RAR
Archives in ZIP only
Has no compression methods

2. 7Zip

If compression ratio is important to you to save disk space or send compressed files by mail, then 7Zip is undoubtedly the best open source archiver with its 7z format. Supports about 30 formats like 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, WIM, ISO, etc. In addition, you can put a password on the archive using AES-256 encryption. It also has checksums CRC (32-64) and SHA (1-256) right from the context menu.

Advantages

AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats
Windows shell integration
High compression ratio
Ability to edit files with automatic fast save
Free and no annoying ads
Archives in 7s, tar, zip, wim
Great support for other formats
Has different compression methods

Disadvantages

It doesn’t compress some media as efficiently
Many settings can confuse the user, but they are conveniently located and understandable
It is impossible to open an unfinished 7ZIP archive, unlike WinRAR
Compresses data for a long time

3. WinRAR

If you are compressing multimedia files, WinRAR is an excellent choice as it automatically selects the best compression method for video formats. It has encryption, which will allow you to put a password on the archive, dividing the library into separate volumes and functions to restore damaged archives.

Advantages

Archiving data in RAR and ZIP
The ability to put a password on the archive
Recovering damaged archives
Can handle Unicode
Has different compression methods
Support for other popular formats

Disadvantages

The free version pops up with ads
Paid
Its program menu does not provide an opportunity to go to the explorer
Slow media compression speed, but faster than 7zip
It takes up a lot of PC resources when working

4. WinZIP

WinZip currently has over a billion active users, which speaks volumes about its popularity. Supports all known formats for an opening like zipping, Zipx, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ, ISO, etc. Encrypts data, can create read-only PDF files, and add watermarks for copyright protection. One of the main features of WinZip is ZipSend, which allows you to archive large files and send them as an email attachment.

Advantages