- Microsoft adds support to create 7-zip and TAR archive files on Windows 11.
- The support is available on build 25992 through the Canary Channel.
- It’s unclear when the feature will roll out to everyone.
On Windows 11, it’s now possible to create 7-zip and TAR archive files through File Explorer without third-party tools. Starting with the release of the preview build 25992 in the Canary Channel, Microsoft notes that support for creating archival files, including for 7-zip and TAR, is now available for testing.
As part of the rollout of version 23H2, Windows 11 introduced native support for RAR and 7-zip archival formats with the new integration for the “libarchive” open-source project.
The support added seamless integration to open and extract many archival file formats (such as “.tar,” .tar.gz,” “.tar.bz2,” “.tar.zst,” “.tar.xz,” “.tgz,” .tbz2,” “.tzst,” .txz,” .rar,” and “.7z”) in the same fashion you do today with Zip files through File Explorer.
However, at the time, the support didn’t include the ability to create archival formats, but this is changing with the release of build 25992. You can now select files and folders from File Explorer, and when you right-click the selection and select the “Compress to” menu, you will find the options to create “7z” and “TAR” files in addition to “Zip” files.
When using this integration, note that it’s not possible to open or create archival files with encryption using passwords. If you want to use these features, you’ll probably better off using a third-party tool like 7-zip.
Furthermore, as part of this update, Microsoft also notes that users will notice performance improvements when opening large “.zip” files through File Explorer when using the native support integration.
This feature is official and available on Windows 11 build 25992 without extra configuration.
Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me. Email him at [email protected].