Understanding Windows 11’s "Compress to ZIP File" Feature
Introduction Windows 11 includes a built-in "Compress to ZIP file" feature in File Explorer, allowing users to create ZIP archives effortlessly. However, some users may notice that their ZIP files appear as "WinRAR ZIP Archive" instead of just ZIP. This blog clarifies why that happens and whether you need third-party software like WinRAR. Why Does Windows Show "WinRAR ZIP Archive"? When you install WinRAR , it associates itself with ZIP files by default. This means that even though the file format is still .zip , the icon and description may show "WinRAR ZIP Archive." However, the file remains a standard ZIP file that can be opened without WinRAR. Is WinRAR Required to Open These ZIP Files? No, WinRAR is not required. Since the .zip format is natively supported in Windows, ChromeOS, and Google Drive, you can open, extract, and manage ZIP files without third-party apps. How to Restore Windows' Default ZIP File Handler If you want ZIP file...