How to use compression to save storage space in Windows 11?

Built into Windows 11, it’s a useful feature for users with very short storage space, and that means no .zip folders. With the file compression of New Technology File System, better known as NTFS, files, folders and even entire disks can be compressed. This makes it possible to store more data in the same space.

The downside is that extra processing power is required each time the files are opened, to decompress, and when closed after processing for recompression. That’s why compression applies especially to data that won’t be used for a longer period of time, such as archives, and photos and documents where the extra loading time isn’t too bothersome.

It’s not a good idea to compress the boot disk as the performance loss is so obvious here. Already compressed files such as mp3, mp4 and zip will not be compressed any further. Also, NTFS cannot be used to save network bandwidth, as files must be compressed before being sent. Still, there are many applications where saving compressed files can save useful space.

Compress files or folders

Open a folder in Explorer and place the files you want to compress there. Right click on the folder or single file and go to Properties. Under General, select Advanced. In the Compress or encrypt content section, select Compress content to save storage space. Press OK to set compression for a file or an entire folder.

When compression is on, the two-way arrow icon appears in the upper-right corner of the map. Compression can be turned off again by unchecking Properties and clicking OK.

In Properties, under Size you can see how large the original file is, and under Size on disk you can see how much space the compressed file occupies on the disk.

Compress a disc

If you want to use an entire disk for archiving, you can compress it entirely. Open File Explorer, go to This PC and right click on the appropriate drive. Go to Properties and check Compress this disk to save disk space. Click Apply to compress the disc contents. If there are already files on the disk, it will take some time to compress them all.

Compression can be turned off again by unchecking the box in Properties.

Source: Windows Center

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