How to Use NTFS File Compression
The NTFS file system has a built-in compression feature known as NTFS compression. Did you know that Windows can selectively compress individual files and folders while letting you use them as you would normally.
1. Launch File Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to any file or folder.
2. Right-click on the file or folder and select Properties.
3. In the General tab, click Advanced…
4. Enable the checkbox for Compress contents to save disk space.
Note that there is a trade-off to NTFS compression! In exchange for reducing disk space usage, files and folders will use more CPU when accessed because they need to be decompressed. However, if you have a modern system with a relatively fast CPU, you probably won’t notice much of a performance hit.
I only recommend NTFS compression for infrequently used files, such as backup documents, reference materials, etc. Avoid using it for audio and video files because they’ve likely been compressed already according to their codecs. Do NOT use NTFS compression for Windows system files or folders!
1. Launch File Explorer (Windows key + E) and navigate to any file or folder.
2. Right-click on the file or folder and select Properties.
3. In the General tab, click Advanced…
4. Enable the checkbox for Compress contents to save disk space.
Note that there is a trade-off to NTFS compression! In exchange for reducing disk space usage, files and folders will use more CPU when accessed because they need to be decompressed. However, if you have a modern system with a relatively fast CPU, you probably won’t notice much of a performance hit.
I only recommend NTFS compression for infrequently used files, such as backup documents, reference materials, etc. Avoid using it for audio and video files because they’ve likely been compressed already according to their codecs. Do NOT use NTFS compression for Windows system files or folders!