4 Fixes for “Compress to ZIP File” Option Not Working in Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Running Microsoft’s file and folder troubleshooter can help resolve issues with the compression feature in Windows.
• Running the SFC and DISM scans can fix problems caused by corrupt system files.
• Consider using a third-party file compression tool if nothing else works.

Try Basic Fixes

• Try another file or folder: Compressing another file or folder should help confirm if it’s a system-wide issue. If you can compress other files without issues, the original file or folder you are having trouble with may be corrupted.
• Scan for malware: Such issues can also arise if your PC is infected with malware. So, if the SFC and DISM scans do not find any problems, use Windows Defender to scan your system for malware. If the scan detects anything suspicious, take the recommended steps to eliminate the threat.

Fix 1: Modify Folder Optimization Settings

Windows 11 has an Automatic Folder Type Discovery feature, which automatically optimizes your folders based on their contents. If this feature cannot identify the contents of a folder correctly, the “Compress to ZIP file” option may not work. Here’s what to do to fix it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and locate the folder you want to compress. Right-click on it and select Properties.

Step 2: Switch to the Customize tab > click the drop-down menu under Optimize this folder for > select General items > hit Apply > OK.

Fix 2: Change Default App for ZIP Files

Another reason you may be unable to compress a file or folder into a ZIP is if the default file association is not set properly. Here’s how to fix that.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app > head to Apps > Default apps.

Step 2: Type .zip in the search box and select the first result.

Step 3: Select File Explorer > click the Set default button to confirm.

Fix 3: Run the File and Folder Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers a useful troubleshooter for fixing various issues with file and folder operations on Windows. You can try running this tool to see if it gets the “Compress to Zip File” option to work on your Windows 11 PC.

Step 1: Download the File and Folder Troubleshooter from Microsoft’s website.

Step 2: Double-click the downloaded file. Then, click Next to run the troubleshooter.

Step 3: Check the box for Renaming or moving files and folders and Others or I don’t know options > hit Next.

Allow the troubleshooter to detect and fix any issues, and try to compress files again.

Fix 4: Run the SFC and DISM Scans

Damaged or corrupted system files on your PC can also disrupt system operations on Windows 11 and cause the “Compress to Zip file” option to stop working. Fortunately, Windows includes useful tools—SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)—that can help you repair corrupt system files.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: Type the following command in the console and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

Step 3: Run the following commands individually and press Enter after each to run the DISM scan.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after this and check if the issue is still there.