Encrypt Files using 7-Zip

Summary

Secure files in a password-protected “.zip” file using 7-Zip for Windows.

Body

Overview

How to Password-Protect and Encrypt Files Using 7-Zip

Secure files in a password-protected “.zip” file using 7-Zip. This is a free, open-source file archiver with AES-256 encryption and a high compression ratio.

Steps

Step 1 — Open 7-Zip

Open “7-Zip File Manager” on a Fleming computer (a physical computer or VDI). For a personal computer, you can download and install 7-Zip from here: https://www.7-zip.org/

Step 2 — Locate Files

Navigate to the files you wish to protect, select them, and then select the “Add” button (the bright, green plus symbol in the top-left corner).

Step 3 — Name and Format

Enter a name for your file and set the archive format to “zip.” Take note of where this file will be saved; for example, the zip file in the illustration below will be saved in “C:\public\.”

Step 4 — Password and Encryption

Enter a password for your file and set the encryption method to “AES-256.”

Step 5 — Save File

Select “OK” to save the file and confirm its location.

 

Notes

Names of files are viewable without entering a password, but these files cannot be opened until the password is entered to extract the files.

Windows 10 cannot extract these password-protected files; only 7-Zip will prompt for a password to extract these files.

Details

Details

Article ID: 9194
Created
Sat 3/16/24 10:32 AM
Modified
Sat 3/16/24 10:59 AM