4 Easy Ways to Enable NTFS File Compression on Windows

Running out of storage space on your Windows computer? There are many ways to free up more space and one of them is to enable NTFS file compression. This feature allows you to compress individual files or folders to save space on the hard drive. In this article, we will show you how to enable NTFS file compression on Windows.

Before we move on to the methods, it is important to understand NTFS file compression. Simply put, this is a feature in Microsoft Windows’ NTFS file system that allows you to compress individual files or folders to save space on your hard drive. When you compress a file or folder, the data is still there but stored more efficiently. With that said, let’s start with the methods.

1. Enable NTFS file and folder compression using File Explorer

This is one of the most common and easiest ways to enable file or folder compression on Windows. The steps are quite simple. Follow the steps below.

Note: We will zip a folder. If you want to compress a file, the steps are pretty much the same.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Data management programand then click Open.

Step 2: Navigate to the folder you want to compress.

Step 3: Right-click on the folder and select Properties from the context menu.

Step 4: In the properties, under the General tab, click the Advanced button.

Step 5: Under Advanced Properties, under ‘Compression or Encryption Properties’, select the ‘Compress content to save disk space’ option and click OK.

Step 6: On the Folder Properties window, click Apply.

Step 7: Under Confirm property changes, select ‘Apply changes to this folder, subfolders and files’ and click OK.

That’s it. You have successfully enabled NTFS file compression on your Windows machine. If you find the steps too long, move on to the next method.

2. Enable NTFS compression with Command Prompt

This is the shortest way to enable file compression on Windows. The steps are quite simple to follow and implement.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Command promptand click ‘Run as administrator.’

Step 2: Enter the command below to enable file compression.

fsutil behavior set enablecompression 0

Step 3: Finally, restart your computer.

Your go. You have enabled file compression on your Windows PC. If you don’t want to execute it through Command Prompt, there is another way. Move on to the next method.

3. Setup NTFS file compression with Registry Editor

This step is not as simple as the method above. However, since we will be using the Registry Editor, we strongly recommend that you back up the Windows Registry before performing the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key on your keyboard, type Registry Editorand click ‘Run as administrator.’

Note: You can also press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run command box, type regedit.exeand then click OK to open Registry Editor.

In the prompt, select Yes.

Step 2: In the top address bar, enter the address in question.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Policy

Note: You can also navigate to this section manually.

Step 3: In the Policy folder, right click, select New and select ‘DWORD (32-bit) Value.’

Step 4: Enter NtfsenableCompression in the name field.

Step 5: Double-click the new value, enter 1 in the Value data field, and press OK.

Finally, reboot the system for the changes to take effect. And that’s it! When the system reboots, NTFS file compression will be enabled. If you don’t want to allow file compression from the registry, you can use the Group Policy editor.

4. Enable NTFS file compression using the Local Group Policy Editor

Local Group Policy Editor gives you total control over Windows. Meaning, it also allows you to enable NTFS file compression on your Windows. Here’s how to go about it.

Note: Group Policy Editor is only available for Windows Pro and Enterprise editions. You can skip this method if you are using Windows Home Edition.

Step 1: Press the Windows keys on your keyboard, type gpeditand then click Open.

Note: You can also press ‘Windows Key + R’ to open the Run command box, type gpedit.mscand click OK.

Step 2: In the left pane, under ‘Local Computer Policy’, select Computer Configuration.

Step 3: In the right pane, double-click Admin Templates.

Step 4: Select the System folder.

Step 5: Click on File system from the left pane. Now, Select NTFS.

Step 6: In the NTFS folder, go to ‘Do not allow compression on all NTFS volumes’ and double click on it.

Step 7: In the window that appears, select the Disabled option. Finally, click Apply and then OK.

Your go. Now, all you need to do is restart Windows. On reboot, Windows will enable file compression.

FAQ about Enable NTFS Compression on Windows

1. Should I enable NTFS compression?

NTFS compression can be a useful tool in certain situations, but it is not always necessary. There are several things to consider when enabling NTFS compression. These include the type of file you want to compress, the amount of space you need to free up, etc.

2. How much space does NTFS compression save?

The amount of compressed space NTFS can save depends on the type and size of the compressed file. Some file types, such as text files, can be significantly compressed, resulting in significant space savings. Other file types, such as images and videos, may not benefit much from the extra compression because they are already highly compressed.

3. What compression method does Windows use?

Windows uses the LZNT1 (Lempel-Ziv-Newman-Tarjan) compression algorithm to compress files and folders using NTFS compression.

Save storage space

Now that you know how to enable file compression, you can save disk space and improve system performance by compressing large files and folders. You can also check out how to delete temporary files on Windows 11 to free up space.

Categories: How to
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