Did you know that the latest versions of Windows 11 allow you to open TAR, 7Z, RAR and other archive types without downloading third-party apps? Moreover, the upcoming Windows 11 version 24H2 will allow you to compress files to 7Z and TAR, specify a compression ratio, and more. However, you don’t have to wait six months to get your hands on this feature. Improved archive support is coming to Windows 11 versions 22H2 and 23H2.
PhantomOfEarth Note that the latest Windows 11 Beta build contains a feature ID that allows you to enable TAR and 7Z compression in File Explorer. After activation, you can right-click on a selection of files, click “Compress to” and select the desired format. Alternatively, you can click “More options” to open a wizard with additional features, such as compression method or level.
Microsoft has yet to announce the archive support improvements for the Beta channel, let alone Stable. However, recent updates have shown that new features do not stay long in the beta channel, and are quickly moved to stable releases. This was the case with start menu ads and new lock screen widgets.
If you have a PC with Windows 11 build 22635.3566, you can enable new archive features with the ViVeTool app:
- Download ViveTool M GitHub and unpack the files in a convenient and easy-to-locate folder.
- to press Win+X and choose terminal (admin).
- Switch Windows Terminal to the command line profile with the Ctrl+Shift+2 shortcut or by clicking the down arrow button at the top of the window.
- Navigate to the folder containing the ViveTool files using the CD command. For example, if you placed ViveTool in C:\Vive, type CD C:\Vive.
- Type vivetool /enable /id:49256040 and pressure to enter.
- Restart the computer.
Other changes in the latest beta houses include improvements to the File Explorer address bar, the return of the “Show Desktop” button in the notification area, and new notifications in the Start menu.