If you want to share large files with somebody, it is essential to use a Zip format. Adding a password and encryption will also protect the file. In this tutorial, we show you the easiest way to Password Protect a Zip File
Zip files are a great way to compress and share large files and images in email since their small size allows them to be sent and received.
A single zip file can manage a dozen of files.
However, when a zip file contains sensitive data and you want to protect it from other people? It’s simple: add password protection to the zip file.
How to Add password to Zip files with 7-Zip
To Password Protect a Zip File in Windows 10 you will need third-party software to accomplish this task.
There are several Compression software available on the internet. You can either choose WinZip, WinRAR, or 7‑ Zip which are most popular. We will be using 7 Zip for this tutorial, as it is free and very effective.
There are multiple versions available for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems, so be sure to select the one for your PC (Settings → System → About → System Type).
Then follow the steps below to Password Protect a Zip File :
- Download and install 7-Zip on your PC.
- Select the file to secure and right-click.
- From the dialog box, click the 7-Zip option.
- Then, click Add to archive
- In the new window that opens, Name the folder.
- In the Archive Format field, click Zip.
- At the bottom right, in the Encryption section, Type your password and then confirm it.
Note it because you will not have a “Forgot password” option
The last thing to do is to define your type of encryption. We recommend AES-256
select it, go to the Encryption field method.
Click OK, your Zip file or folder is now secured with a password.
Anyone trying to open the zip file will need to enter the password first