What Is Window's Default Zip Program?

ZIP - File archiving

Microsoft Windows XP and subsequent Windows releases have included integrated functionality to "zip" files into an archive. This built-in functionality acts as the default program to archive files.

Background

"Zipping" files refers to archiving one or more data files into a compressed archive, usually to conserve disk space or to make files smaller for the purpose of emailing them.

Before Windows XP, a third-party program was needed to create .ZIP archive files or to extract files from an archive. Windows XP and all later versions have this functionality included as part of the operating system.

Functionality

Windows XP and subsequent versions allow you to create compressed (zipped) files directly from the operating system and also extract zipped files without loading an additional utility.

Alternatives

Many archive utilities are available, the most well-known being WinZip. This software provides more advanced functionality, such as the ability to password-protect .ZIP files.

If you use a version of Microsoft Windows older than Windows XP, you will have to choose one of these utilities to work with .ZIP files. Some users still prefer to use the third-party software to access the extra features available.

References

• Microsoft: How to create and use compressed (zipped) folders
• WinZip - Homepage