Windows file, folder and volume compression

Compressed Folders

Windows users that have their file systems formatted in NTFS can take advantage of some additional features such as compression.  NTFS is a file system supported by Windows NT, 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7.  To see if your file system is running NTFS, right click on your disk, and go to Properties. At the very top, you’ll see “File System”, which will either be FAT32 or NTFS.

NTFS Features and Limitations
You can use NTFS compression to compress individual files and folders, as well as an entire NTFS volume.
You can compress a folder without compressing its contents.
You can work with NTFS-compressed files without decompressing them, because they are decompressed and recompressed without user intervention.
You can display NTFS-compressed file and folder names in a different color to make them easier to identify.
You may notice a decrease in performance when you work with NTFS-compressed files. When you open a compressed file, Windows automatically decompresses it for you, and when you close the file, Windows compresses it again. This process may decrease your computer performance.
NTFS-compressed files and folders only remain compressed while they are stored on an NTFS Volume.
You cannot encrypt an NTFS-compressed file.

Compress Files or Folders on NTFS Volume
Double click on My Computer on the desktop.
Right-click the file or folder you want to compress, and then click Properties.
On the General tab, click Advanced.
Click to select the Compress contents to save disk space check box, and then click OK, and OK.
In “Confirm Attribute Changes”, click the option you want.

NOTE: If you move or copy a file into a compressed folder, it is compressed automatically. If you move a file from a different NTFS Volume into a compressed folder, it is also compressed. However, if you move a file from the same NTFS Volume into a compressed folder, the file retains its original state, either compressed or uncompressed.

If you plan to move files from computer to computer via media, or via the internet, suggest using a program such as Zip Genius (which is free), or WinZip.  This software works even if your file system is not NTFS.

Compress an entire NTFS volume
You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group to complete this procedure. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may also prevent you from completing this procedure.

Double click on My Computer on the desktop.
Right-click the volume you want to compress, and then click Properties.
In the General tab, click to select the Compress Volume to save disk space check box, and then click OK.
In “Confirm Attribute Changes”, click the option you want.

Originally written by: Hengis, based on Micrsoft Article Q307987

Tags: compressed, compression, fat32, file, folder, ntfs, volume