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Have you ever wanted to send a folder by email on your Windows 10 computer, but didn’t know how? Well, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with this task because email services usually only allow you to attach individual files, not entire folders. However, there are several methods you can use to overcome this limitation and successfully send a folder by email. In this blog post, we will explore these methods and provide step-by-step instructions to help you easily send folders via email on Windows 10.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Send A Folder By Email
There are several reasons why you might need to send a folder by email. One common scenario is when you need to share multiple files with someone, and it’s more convenient to package them all together in a folder rather than attaching them one by one. Additionally, sending a folder can help you organize and categorize related files, making it easier for the recipient to understand the context.
Another crucial reason for sending a folder is to maintain the folder structure, especially when the files within it are interlinked or dependent on each other. Instead of manually recreating the folder structure and ensuring all files are included, sending the entire folder simplifies the process and ensures no file is missed.
Method 1: Compressing the Folder
One of the most straightforward methods to send a folder by email on Windows 10 is by compressing it into a zip file. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the folder you want to send.
Step 2: Select the "Send to" option from the context menu.
Step 3: Click on "Compressed (zipped) folder".
Now you have successfully compressed the folder into a zip file, which can be treated as a single file for attaching to an email.
Pros:
– Preserves the entire folder structure.
– Fast and easy to create a zip file.
– Compatible with all email services.
– Reduces the overall file size for quicker transfer.
Cons:
– The recipient needs to extract the zip file to access individual files.
– Some email filters may mark zip files as potentially harmful.
Method 2: Using Cloud Storage Services
Another effective method to send a folder by email on Windows 10 is by utilizing cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Upload the folder to your preferred cloud storage service.
Step 2: Generate a shareable link for the folder.
Step 3: Copy the shareable link and paste it into the email.
Pros:
– No need to compress or attach files directly.
– Allows the recipient to access files without extracting anything.
– Ideal for sending large folders that exceed email attachment limits.
– Offers additional features like collaboration and version history.
Cons:
– Requires an active internet connection.
– The recipient needs to have access to the cloud storage service.
Method 3: Using File Transfer Services
If you need to send large folders that exceed the attachment limit of your email service, you can use file transfer services like WeTransfer or Send Anywhere. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the website of the file transfer service.
Step 2: Click on the "Add files" or similar button.
Step 3: Select the folder you want to send.
Step 4: Enter the recipient’s email address.
Step 5: Click on the "Send" or similar button to initiate the file transfer.
Pros:
– Ideal for sending large folders.
– No need to compress files or deal with attachment limits.
– Provides a secure and encrypted file transfer.
– Can send files to multiple recipients simultaneously.
Cons:
– Requires an internet connection.
– Some file transfer services may have file size limitations.
– The recipient may need to download the files from a separate website.
Method 4: Splitting the Folder into Multiple Parts
If you prefer to stick with the traditional email attachment approach, but the folder size exceeds the attachment limit, you can split the folder into multiple parts using a file compression tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Install a file compression tool like WinRAR.
Step 2: Right-click on the folder and select the compression tool from the context menu.
Step 3: Choose the option to split the archive into multiple parts.
Step 4: Set the desired file size for each part.
Step 5: Create the compressed parts and attach them to separate emails.
Pros:
– Allows you to send large folders using conventional email attachments.
– Preserves the folder structure.
– Compatible with most email services.
– No need for the recipient to extract any files.
Cons:
– The recipient needs to download and combine the parts to access the complete folder.
– Requires a file compression tool to split the folder.
– Increases the number of emails sent and received.
What to Do If You Can’t Send A Folder By Email
If you encounter any issues while trying to send a folder by email on Windows 10, here are a few fixes you can try:
1. Check the attachment limit of your email service: Some email services have limitations on the size or number of attachments. Ensure that your folder doesn’t exceed these limits, or consider using alternative methods mentioned earlier.
2. Update your email client: If you’re using a desktop email client, make sure it’s updated to the latest version. Sometimes, outdated software can cause compatibility issues or limit attachment capabilities.
3. Use a different file compression tool: If you’re unable to compress the folder into a zip file using the built-in Windows compression tool, try using third-party tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
4. Compress individual files: If you can’t send the entire folder, consider compressing the files within the folder individually and attaching them to the email one by one.
Bonus Tips
Here are some bonus tips to enhance your folder-sending experience:
1. Rename the zip file: When compressing the folder, consider giving the zip file a descriptive name that reflects its contents. This will make it easier for the recipient to identify the files without extracting them.
2. Encrypt sensitive files: If you’re sending confidential or sensitive files, consider encrypting the zip file using a password. This adds an extra layer of security and prevents unauthorized access.
3. Use file-sharing permissions: If you’re sending a folder via a cloud storage service, make sure to set appropriate file-sharing permissions. This ensures that only the intended recipient can access the files.
5 FAQs
Q1: How can I compress a folder using a third-party tool like WinRAR?
A: To compress a folder using WinRAR, right-click on the folder, select "Add to archive" from the context menu, choose the desired compression settings, and click "OK" to create the compressed file.
Q2: Can I send a folder via email using a mobile device?
A: Yes, you can use the methods mentioned in this blog post on a mobile device as well. Simply install the appropriate apps for cloud storage or file transfer services on your mobile device and follow the same steps.
Q3: What should I do if the recipient can’t extract the zip file?
A: If the recipient encounters issues while extracting the zip file, ensure that they’re using a compatible file compression tool and try sending the file again. You can also try using a different compression format (such as RAR) if supported by your tool.
Q4: Are there any file size limitations for using cloud storage services?
A: Yes, cloud storage services usually have certain file size limitations for free accounts. However, they offer premium plans that allow larger file uploads. Make sure to check the file size limitations of your chosen service before uploading large folders.
Q5: Can I send a folder via email without compressing it?
A: Unfortunately, most email services do not allow sending folders directly without compressing them first. Compressing the folder into a zip file is the most common workaround for this limitation.
Final Thoughts
Sending a folder by email on Windows 10 may seem challenging at first, but with the right methods and tools, it becomes a straightforward process. Whether you choose to compress the folder, use cloud storage services, employ file transfer services, or split the folder into multiple parts, each method has its pros and cons. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this blog post, you’ll gain the ability to send folders by email effortlessly. So go ahead and start sharing folders with ease, revolutionizing the way you exchange files with others.