4 Ways to Enable or Disable NTFS File Compression in Windows 11
Is your Windows computer running out of storage? There are plenty of ways to remove redundant data and free up some extra space. Among all, the most preferred method is using NTFS file compression.
NTFS file compression is a Windows feature that compresses files and folders by removing reductant data from them. The best part about this feature is that it does its job without damaging the file and losing the data.
Nevertheless, let’s check out some ways to enable NTFS file compression in Windows 11.
1. Enable NTFS File Compression Through the File Explorer
The quickest way to enable NTFSfile compressionis through File Explorer. Below are the steps to compress a folder:
That’s it, the folder has now been compressed. you could confirm this by comparing the current folder size with its previous size.
From now on, every file or folder that you will move inside the compressed folder will be compressed automatically. To disable compression, uncheck theCompress contents to save disk spacebox and save the changes.
Similarly, you can compress an entire drive. Here’s how:
2. Enable NTFS File Compression Using the Command Prompt
If you are a power user, you could use the Command Prompt to enable file compression on Windows 11. Here are the steps to do it:
You’ll see the “A reboot is required for this change to take effect” message on the console. So, restart your computer to apply the changes.
If you want to disable File Compression, execute the following command in the elevated Command Prompt window, followed by a system restart.
3. Enable NTFS File Compression Using the Registry Editor
Another quick way to enable compression is through the Registry Editor. Follow the below steps to do it:
File compression is now enabled on your computer. If you want to disable it, type 0 in Value data and save the changes.
4. Enable NTFS File Compression Using the Local Group Policy Editor
The Local Group Policy Editor is the go-to place to configure important Windows policies. To use it to enable file compression, follow the below instructions:
You can disable the file compression by choosing theEnabledoption in theDo not allow compression on all NTFS volumes policyproperties window.
Free Up Space on Windows 11 With File Compression
Enabling file compression is a great way to free up some space on Windows 11. Using this feature can come in handy when you are running out of space but also don’t want to compress your files using third-party compression tools.
Meanwhile, you might be interested in learning more about the NTFS file system.
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