You can use the app with various compression levels and algorithms for the best balance between file size and compression speed.
The app also supports many archive formats, including '.zip,' '.rar,' '.7z,' '.gzip,' '.bzip2,' and many more, allowing you to open and extract almost any compressed file. However, if you want a dedicated application to open, extract, and create '.zip,' '.rar,' or '.7z,' then 7-Zip is the app you want.ħ-Zip is also an open-source application that uses its own 7z format, often achieving higher compression ratios than popular formats like ZIP and RAR, which translates to smaller file sizes and easier storage and transfer.
If you choose the Files app, you're all set since the open-source file manager comes with this integration.
7-ZipĪlthough you can use File Explorer to open and extract '.zip,' '.rar,' or '.7z' archival formats, the experience is still limited to managing existing files, and you still can't create archival formats like '.rar' or '.7z,' and it's not possible to open files that have been encrypted with passwords. Although you can't uninstall File Explorer, you can make Files your default file manager on Windows 11.įiles is an open-source project, and it's available for free at the Microsoft Store. I also have a comprehensive guide to help you get started with Files.
