How To Create Tar Files on Windows

If Windows has Zip files, UNIX and Linux have Tar files. Tar is a shortcut for Tape Archive. These types of files are actually compressed archive files. When you have a large file, it occupies a lot of hard drive space. Some cannot be emailed or transported to another computer in its original state. This is the reason why file compression was developed.

Although Tar files are used by Linux or UNIX operating systems, you can still create them using Windows. Below are the simple steps in creating Tar files on a computer running on Windows. The program QuickZip will be used in the following step-by-step instructions.

* Download the software QuickZip. This program is free software published by Joseph Leung. Go to Cnet - QuickZip to gain access to the file. Click on “Download Now” to start downloading the freeware. Specify in which folder or directory QuickZip should be installed and if a shortcut should be created on the desktop.
* Open the QuickZip software. Double-click on the QuickZip shortcut or open it from the Start menu.
* Create a new Tar file. On the toolbar, click on “New” to start a new Tar file. In the “File Name” dialog box, type the name for your Tar file. The filename should be descriptive of the type of files that will be compressed into the Tar file. Specify the location where QuickZip should save the newly created Tar file. Click on “Open” so you can select the options for the archive you are creating.
* Select the files that should be compressed into a Tar file. Looking at the folders on the left side, choose which files should be added to the “File Selection” tab. There should also be a dropdown menu from where you can select files. When you have selected all the files that need to be compressed, click on “Add.” In case you missed adding a file or two, add them later on even after the Tar file has already been created.
* Continue adding files. Keep on adding files until you have selected all the files you need compressed in the Tar file. Click on “Add” which is found in the “Added List” tab so you can create the compressed file.
* Go out of QuickZip. When you have added all the files, exit from QuickZip. Exiting from the program will create the Tar file, which you should find in the location you specified earlier.
* Reminders:
o In case you wish to modify the Tar file that you created, simply open QuickZip then the Tar file you want to change. You can add more files to the Tar file or delete some of the files associated with it. You will see all the files in your chosen folder. Simply click “Add” or “Delete” depending on the operation you need to perform.
o Test your Tar file to make sure the files you selected where compressed properly. You can open the Tar file using QuickZip. Once you are sure that the Tar file is okay, that is the only time you can delete the original files, if necessary.


Although Tar files are associated with a different operating system, you can still create one using Windows. QuickZip is one such program that can do the job. There are other available file compression programs online that you can use to create Tar files. Choose one that works for you.