Blog

How to Fix “Send to Compressed Folder Missing” Error in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

If you use the “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option frequently in Windows 11, you might sometimes find it missing from the right-click context menu. This can be frustrating, especially when you need to compress files quickly.

Fortunately, this issue can usually be fixed with some simple steps. The solutions range from quick checks to more detailed system fixes.

In this article, we will guide you through easy-to-understand instructions to restore the missing “Send to Compressed Folder” option.

By following these steps carefully, you can get back this useful feature without needing advanced technical skills.

Quick Note: Things to Check Before Starting

  • Make sure your Windows 11 system is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix bugs automatically.
  • Verify that you are logged in with an account that has administrative privileges. Some changes require admin rights.
  • Check if the problem happens for all files or only specific types. This helps narrow down the cause.
  • Restart your computer before trying any fixes. A simple reboot can solve many temporary glitches.

Step 1: Check the “SendTo” Folder Contents

The “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option is controlled by a shortcut file inside a specific Windows folder called “SendTo”. If this shortcut is missing or deleted, the option will not appear.

To check and restore this shortcut:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type %APPDATA%MicrosoftWindowsSendTo and press Enter. This opens the SendTo folder.
  3. Look for a file named Compressed (zipped) Folder.ZFSendToTarget. This is the shortcut that enables the feature.
  4. If it is missing, you need to recreate it:
    • Right-click inside the folder, select New > Shortcut.
    • In the location box, type %windir%System32zipfldr.dll and click Next.
    • Name the shortcut as Compressed (zipped) Folder and click Finish.
  5. Close the folder and check if the option is back by right-clicking a file.

Why this works: Windows uses this shortcut to display the compressed folder option in the Send to menu. Without it, the feature cannot appear.

Step 2: Re-register zipfldr.dll File

The zipfldr.dll file is responsible for handling ZIP folder functions in Windows. If this file is not properly registered, the compressed folder option might disappear.

To re-register this file:

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
regsvr32 zipfldr.dll

You should see a message saying the registration succeeded.

Close the Command Prompt and try right-clicking a file to see if the “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option is available again.

Why this step is important: Registering DLL files ensures Windows knows how to use them properly. If this DLL is unregistered or corrupted, the ZIP functionality won’t work.

Step 3: Use Registry Editor to Restore the Option

If the previous steps did not fix the issue, the Windows Registry might have incorrect or missing entries related to the compressed folder.

Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Follow these steps carefully and consider backing up the registry first.

To check and fix registry entries:

  1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
  2. Navigate to this path:
    3. HKEY_CLASSES_ROOTAllFilesystemObjectsshellexContextMenuHandlersSendTo
  3. Make sure the default value is set to:
    4. {7BA4C740-9E81-11CF-99D3-00AA004AE837}
  4. If it is missing or different, double-click the (Default) entry and enter the above value.
  5. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
  6. Check if the “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option is restored.

Why this helps: This registry key tells Windows what commands to show in the Send to menu. Incorrect or missing values can cause the feature to disappear.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted or missing system files can also cause the compressed folder option to vanish. Running the System File Checker tool can detect and fix such problems.

To run an SFC scan:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 2 for how).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
    3. sfc /scannow
  3. The scan will take some time to complete. Do not close the window until it finishes.
  4. If any issues are found, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically.
  5. Once done, restart your computer and check if the option is back.

Why this is useful: SFC checks essential Windows files and repairs them if damaged. This can fix many hidden problems affecting system features.

Alternative Method: Use Third-Party Compression Tools

If none of the above methods work, you can temporarily use third-party compression software like 7-Zip or WinRAR. These programs offer right-click context menu options to compress files and are widely trusted.

This is a practical workaround but does not fix the Windows feature itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is the “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option missing after a Windows update?

Sometimes updates reset or change system settings, which can remove shortcuts or registry entries. Following the steps above usually restores the option.

Can I lose files if I recreate the SendTo shortcut incorrectly?

No, recreating the shortcut only affects the menu option and does not change or delete your files.

Is it safe to edit the Windows Registry to fix this problem?

Yes, as long as you follow instructions carefully and back up the registry beforehand. Incorrect changes can cause system problems.

Will running the SFC scan slow down my PC?

The scan may use system resources temporarily but will not harm your PC. It is safe and recommended when system files might be corrupted.

How can I back up the registry before making changes?

In Registry Editor, click File > Export, choose a location and name, then save the backup file. You can restore it if needed.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps and still cannot restore the “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option, consider these final options:

  • Run the Windows Troubleshooter for File and Folder problems.
  • Create a new user account to check if the issue is user-specific.
  • Perform a Windows System Restore to a point where the feature worked.
  • Contact Microsoft Support or visit the official Microsoft Support website for further assistance.

Conclusion

The missing “Send to Compressed (zipped) Folder” option in Windows 11 can be fixed by checking the SendTo folder, re-registering system files, editing the registry carefully, or running a System File Checker scan. Each step addresses common causes of the problem.

Always start with the simplest solutions, like verifying the shortcut and restarting your PC, before moving to advanced methods. If needed, third-party tools can provide a temporary fix.

Following this guide should help you restore the convenient compression feature and improve your file management experience on Windows 11.

Leave a Reply