How to Password Protect a Zip File for Free

Windows has the ability to natively create zip files on the spot from your computer but what if you need to add a password to a zip file to keep it from being opened by someone who shouldn't see it? Fortunately, there is an easy and effective way to add a password to a zip file to keep its contents secure. That way nobody can open a file within the zip file or even extract its contents. If you use the 7z archive format and check the box for Encrypt file names, then other people will not even be able to see the contents of the zip file without the password.

7-Zip download page.

Here is a writeup of the process on our website.

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#7zip

[applerose]

Best zip file password video on YouTube

[HelenBradley]

Thank you.. I already had 7-zip but never knew this technique! Works like a charm.

[jimb]

This was helpful and informative! Much easier to protect a file/folder than PGP in email. Works great using ZipCrypto format. Extracting didn't work for me using AES-256 encryption.

[brtymat]

Not sure what is going on on I tried to do what you stated in the video. I am trying to 2 files to a zip file as you instructed but only file has the password to open and the other one does not. Please advise.

[UVRII]

HI. The password only works the first time, after that you can log in without a password. How come?