Microsoft is working on adding support for creating 7-zip and Tar archives in Windows 11. The feature is in testing in the latest Canary build of Windows 11.
Microsoft expanded support for different archive types in its Windows 11 operating system in 2023. Previously, Windows users could only extract ZIP archives or compress files using Zip.
An update added extract support for formats such as Rar, Tar or 7z, but not support for creating archives other than Zip. The Moment 4 update for Windows 11 version 22H2 added several features, including Windows Copilot.
All features were included in the 2023 feature update for Windows 11, Windows 11 version 23H2.
Compressing and unpacking files in Windows 11
It is actually pretty easy to use the functionality. Right-click on a supported archive and you get the option to extract its contents on the device.
A right-click on any file displays the “compress to Zip file” option currently, even if the selection is already an archive.
As is the case with many native Windows features and tools, they are somewhat limited. While you can create archives, you don’t get options to configure advanced options.
There is no option to password protect files, change dictionary sizes, create recovery files or change the compression level. Similarly, extracting files is limited to selecting a target location.
Another issue that users of third-party archivers may have noticed when using the native extraction and compression functionality is that the performance is slower. It takes longer to extract files and also longer to compress them.
This may not be a problem for many Windows 11 users. If you use the functionality once or twice a week, you may not have a problem with its performance.
It is convenient after all that the functionality is baked in.
Creating Tar and 7z archives
The latest Windows 11 Canary build introduces support for creating Tar and 7z archives. Microsoft revealed the new functionality in the official release notes:
[ADDED] We’ve added support for creating 7-zip and TAR archives in addition to ZIP.
Microsoft changed the “Compress to Zip file” in File Explorer to “Compress to”. Selecting this option displays all supported formats: Zip file, 7z file and Tar file.
These work identical. Select the desired format and then wait for Windows to create the archive in the same directory.
Rar support is missing, notably, from the list of supported formats. Microsoft did not mention why it did not add support for the format.
Microsoft uses the open source libarchive for the functionality. This library does not support rar writes, which may explain the absence.
Closing Words
Microsoft is making the handling of archive formats comfortable on Windows 11. Users may now extract lots of formats without installing third-party software. Support for compressing files to 7z and Tar is also a welcome addition.
The functionality won’t keep advanced users from installing and using third-party apps. These offer better functionality and performance. Also, support for formats is still limited in comparison.
Is security a problem? More users may find the option to extract archives, which may tempt malicious actors to spread malware using archive formats.
It is a possibility and it will be interesting to see how Microsoft will react to potential threats.
Now You: native or third-party, how do you like your compression software?