:: This pertains to Mac users :: I just had this happen to me and all of the recommendations weren't working. I tried so many things from checking updates, to restarting my computer, to checking my applications and making sure Xcode was up to date (it wasn't) and once that updated, the issue still wasn't fixed. I am running Monterey for my system and recently started backing up my files to iCloud. Last night was the first occurrence when I received the forsaken "couldn't find a helper application" error when trying to compress a file for class. :: SOLUTION :: It took me forever and a half, but I took note that iCloud had my documents backed up and stored in the iCloud Drive folder. I went to my system preferences >> clicked on Apple ID >> clicked on my iCloud tab in the left menu. It lists all the things that can be backed up to iCloud. Click on "options" for the iCloud Drive. For me, at that moment in time, "desktop and document folders" was unchecked. I checked the box for it and clicked "done", then let my Mac process this change. I then tried compressing my files again and it worked. I'm so mad but completely relieved this issue was resolved. I hope this works for anyone else who is struggling.