How to Convert EXE Files

By Mitchell White

EXE is an executable file, which means it's the file that gets a program to start running. Converting a file in this format into another format such as ZIP or RAR will compress the EXE file, making these often large files much smaller and more manageable for storing on your computer. Archive software or special compression websites will perform this operation for you. These services are often completely free to use online.

Download and install a program such as WinRar, Winzip or 7Zip, all of which have nearly identical controls and are free to use (see "Resources").

Right-click on your EXE file.

Select "Add to Archive" in the drop-down menu for the program you're using. Click "OK" and the EXE file will be converted into a compressed format that will appear in the same folder your EXE file is in.

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