How to split large files into multiple parts on Windows: Guide
Split into parts large files on Windows (photo: Unsplash)
Splitting large files into smaller parts is an efficient way to bypass size limitations in Messengers and Email services. You can split files in Windows and later merge them again using two popular archiving programs, the tech website MakeUseOf reports.
How to split large files using WinRAR for easy sharing and storage
WinRAR is a popular tool for compressing and archiving files, which allows users to split files into multiple volumes of a specified size. Start by downloading and installing WinRAR on your computer.
After installation, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer and right-click the file you want to split.
- Select WinRAR and click Add to Archive.
Adding to Archive (Photo: MakeUseOf)
The archive format is set to RAR by default, but you can choose ZIP or RAR4 if needed. Leave the compression method set to Normal and keep the default Dictionary size since you only split the file.
In the Split to Volume, size, field, specify the desired size for each file part. For example, if you have a file of 6.34 GB and want to split it into 1 GB parts, enter 1 GB. You can also set a password to protect the archive.
After setting the parameters, click OK. WinRAR will begin splitting the file into parts of the specified size and save them in the original folder. This process may take some time, depending on the file size. The split archives will be named part1, part2, part3, and so on.
To merge the files again, make sure all parts are in the same folder. Right-click the first part of the archive, choose WinRAR, and select Extract files. Specify the folder for extraction and click OK.
Keep in mind that the receiver will also need to install WinRAR on their Windows computer, as other archivers or the built-in extraction feature in Windows 11 won't be able to merge the files.
How to split large files into several parts using 7-Zip
7-Zip is another tool for archiving and compressing files, known for its high compression ratio. It is free, open-source, and allows splitting large files into smaller parts.
Steps to split file using 7-Zip:
- Download and install 7-Zip.
- After installation, open 7-Zip, double-click Computer, and select the file you want to split.
- Click the Add button (green icon with a plus sign).
Alternative method:
- Select the file in File Explorer, right-click it, and choose Add to Archive.
Setting Archive Parameters
In the Add to Archiv window, find the option Split to volumes, bytes and specify the size of the parts. For example, if you enter 20M, each part of the archive will be 20 MB in size.
You can also set a password for the archive using the Encryption option. Leave the other parameters as default and click OK.
How to merge archive parts
To merge a split file using 7-Zip:
- Right-click the first part of the archive.
- Choose Show More, then select 7-Zip and Extract Files.
- Specify the folder for extraction and click OK.
Where this method can be used
Splitting files into parts helps bypass size limitations imposed by storage devices, messengers, and email services. This method is suitable for any type of file: videos, audio, archives, backups, and disk images.
Read also about a guide on reducing eye strain while working with Windows through effective screen settings.
