

To access files in a password-protected zip file, follow the below steps. How to open password protected ZIP fileĪs you can assume, you need the password to open an encrypted ZIP file. You can delete the original folder if you want. Once the folder has been zipped, the zipped file can be found in the same location as the original folder. Depending on the number of files and their size, the zipping procedure may take some time to complete. I’ve decided on the “AES-256” algorithm.Ĭlick the “Ok” button to start the zipping and encryption process. You can even alter the encryption algorithm if you desire. Then, under the “Encryption” area, enter your password twice. Choose “Zip” from the “Archive format” dropdown menu. Right-click the folder and choose “7-Zip -> Add to archive.” Windows 11 users should select “Show additional options -> 7-Zip -> Add to archive.”ħ-Zip, by default, attempts to compress files in “7z” format. Place all of the files you want to protect in a single folder.

To install 7-Zip in Windows, double-click the exe file and follow the installation wizard after downloading it. With that, you have successfully protected a ZIP file with a password.įirst, download 7-Zip from its official website.You will see the newly created ZIP file in File Explorer.7-Zip encrypts, and password protects the ZIP file.(Optional) Choose the “ Encryption Method.”.Type the password twice under the “Encryption” section.Select “ Zip” from the “Archive format” dropdown.Choose the “ 7-Zip -> Add to archive” option.Right-click on the folder you want to ZIP.

To password-protect zip files, we must utilize a third-party application such as 7-Zip. If you’re wondering, while Windows can natively create and open zip files, it can’t encrypt or password-protect them. 7-Zip is a well-known file-compressing utility for Windows. We’ll use 7-zip, a free, lightweight, open-source application, to add the password to a zip file.
