Windows has a built-in ZIP tool, but it is slow, cannot handle 7z or RAR files, and produces larger archives than alternatives. 7-Zip is the free replacement that handles virtually every archive format, compresses better than the Windows default, and does not ask you to install toolbars or pay for anything. It has been free and open source since 1999.
Installing 7-Zip
Download from 7-zip.org. Choose the 64-bit installer for any PC made in the last 10 years. Install it, and 7-Zip adds itself to the Windows right-click context menu — that is where you will do most of your work.
If you prefer not to install software, a portable version is available on the same page. Extract it to a folder and run 7zFM.exe directly — no installation needed.
Extracting an Archive
The most common task: someone sends you a .zip, .7z, or .rar file and you need to get the contents out.
- Right-click the archive file.
- Hover over 7-Zip in the context menu.
- Choose one of three extract options:
- Extract Here: Puts all contents directly in the current folder. Use this for single-file archives or when you know the archive has its own internal folder structure.
- Extract to "foldername\": Creates a new folder with the archive's name and puts everything inside it. This is the safest choice — it prevents files from scattering everywhere if the archive has no internal folder.
- Extract files...: Opens a dialog where you choose the destination.
For most downloads, use Extract to "foldername\". It is almost always the right call.
Creating an Archive
To compress a file or folder:
- Select the files or folder you want to compress (hold Ctrl to select multiple).
- Right-click and hover over 7-Zip.
- Choose Add to archive...
This opens the Add to Archive dialog, which has a few important settings:
Archive format: ZIP vs 7z
- ZIP: Opens on any device — Windows, Mac, phone — without extra software. Use ZIP when you're sharing the archive with someone else, especially on Mac or mobile.
- 7z: Better compression, typically 30 to 50 percent smaller than ZIP for the same files. Use 7z for your own storage or when the recipient also has 7-Zip installed.
If in doubt, ZIP is the safe choice. If archive size matters and the recipient can open 7z files, use 7z.
Compression level
The Compression level dropdown ranges from Store (no compression) to Ultra. Normal or Fast is suitable for most use. Ultra compresses more but takes significantly longer — worth it for large backups, not worth it for quick file sharing. For files that are already compressed (JPEG images, MP4 videos, already-compressed ZIPs), higher compression levels make almost no difference in file size.
Password-Protecting an Archive
7-Zip supports strong AES-256 encryption. In the Add to Archive dialog:
- Type a password in the Encryption password field (and confirm it).
- Check Encrypt file names if you want even the filenames inside to be hidden from anyone without the password. This option only appears when using the 7z format.
- Click OK.
The archive is now encrypted. Anyone who opens it will need the password to extract files. Store the password somewhere reliable — if you lose it, the files are unrecoverable even with the original computer.
Splitting Large Archives
If you need to email or upload an archive but the file size limit is a problem, 7-Zip can split the archive into multiple parts. In the Add to Archive dialog, enter a size in the Split to volumes field (for example, 24M for 24 megabytes per part, or 1G for 1 gigabyte per part). 7-Zip creates files ending in .001, .002, and so on. To extract, right-click the .001 file and extract as normal — 7-Zip reads the remaining parts automatically.
Supported Formats
7-Zip can extract (but not necessarily create) all of these: ZIP, 7z, RAR, TAR, GZ, BZ2, XZ, ISO, LZMA, CAB, ARJ, Z, LZH, and more. For creating archives, ZIP and 7z cover almost every practical need. TAR.GZ and TAR.BZ2 creation is also supported, useful when preparing files for Linux systems.
Mac and Linux Alternatives
Mac has built-in ZIP support (double-click to extract, right-click to compress). For 7z and RAR on Mac, The Unarchiver (free on the App Store) handles the widest range of formats for extraction. Keka (free from keka.io) handles both extraction and creation including 7z with password support.
On Linux, 7-Zip is available in most package managers as p7zip or 7zip, and the command-line interface works identically to Windows.
Quick Reference
- Extract safely: Right-click > 7-Zip > Extract to "foldername\"
- Compress for sharing: Right-click > 7-Zip > Add to archive > Format: ZIP
- Compress for storage: Format: 7z, Compression: Normal
- Add a password: Add to archive > Encryption password field
- Split for upload: Add to archive > Split to volumes field