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7-Zip for Windows

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 23.01
  • 4

    (5474)
  • Security Status

Cathy Buggs
Cathy BuggsUpdated 20 days ago

Compressing files made easy

7-Zip is an open-source, free file compression and decompression tool, which allows you to archive files within seconds. Compared to similar software like Ultra Zip Opener, this one comes with a wide range of features and offers a high compression ratio. As such, compressed files don’t take a huge amount of space on your Windows PC. Additionally, the program protects your files with encryption and passwords. With 7-Zip, it’s easy and convenient to compress and decompress files.

The perfect platform for multiple file types

Whether you want to secure files on your system or need to save storage space, 7-Zip comes in handy for several functions. While the lightweight program doesn’t take much space on your computer, it offers support for a wide range of file types, including TAR, GZIP, LZH, ARJ, ISO, WIM, RPM, NSIS, MSI, CPIO, CAB, CHM, BZIP2, and 7Z.

When it comes to GZIP and ZIP file formats, the program provides you with a better compression ratio than other apps. In most cases, the ratio is about 40% higher than compression programs like SecureZIP Express. It’s worth mentioning that 7-Zip uses strong compression settings, varied dictionary sizes, and improved density while utilizing LZMA and LZMA2 compression.

While 7 Zip download for Windows comes with several features, the high-quality compression takes a little longer than other software. When compression is in progress, the tool requires system resources to ensure the file isn’t damaged. It’s a small price you pay for high-quality and encrypted compression and decompression tasks.

What are 7-Zip’s features?

Most people prefer to use this app as a file compression tool. However, the simple interface makes it an easy-to-use decompression program too. This tool can be used for both creating archives and unzipping files. Compared to PeaZip, 7-Zip download for Windows 10 doesn’t support a few unzipping formats. Fortunately, the software can be integrated with Windows Shell, allowing you to easily extract and archive files in a couple of clicks.

It’s important to note that this free zip software features a built-in browser, which can identify, locate, and extract archives. Since the program adheres to multiple Windows Explorer standards, it’s able to display even hidden files. Additionally, 7-Zip uses password protection for compressed files, making them secure on your PC.

How do you use 7-Zip?

This program can be used in two different ways. In the first way, you need to open the main window and work with compressed files using the file manager. In the second way, you can access the ‘context’ menu, which provides you with advanced features. You can check out these features with a simple right-click on a file.

For new users and beginners, using the file manager can be complicated. Unlike other file compression tools, 7 Zip download doesn’t let you add a file to a compressed folder. Whenever you want to add a new file, you need to start the process again.

The configurable settings in the program can be tough to understand for novice users. The tool doesn’t give much explanation for the several options available in the interface. If you haven’t used a file compression tool ever, it would be better to use default settings.

Having said that, the ‘context’ menu is the perfect way to work with 7-Zip. It integrates several key features and allows easy access with a single right-click. As such, you can add files to compressed archives within a few clicks.

Moreover, the ‘context’ menu lets you access zipped files to be added to an email server for sharing. While using this free unzip program, you can alternate between a dual and single-pane view, making it easier to use the toolbar, menu bar, and drop-and-drag functions.

Simple and clean user interface

7-Zip comes with a simple and clean interface. While it may look outdated at first glance, you won’t take much time getting used to the navigation. The basic design allows even beginners to start using the program without any hassles. The main toolbar contains commonly used features with several customization options.

For instance, you can use the ‘extract’ button to set the file’s destination or output directory. Similarly, the ‘view’ option allows you to conveniently access the folder history. The tool also includes a ‘favorites’ menu, which lets you save up to 10 folders for easy and quick access.

Advanced features for better usage

Compared to other Zip downloads like WinZip, WinRAR, and similar programs, 7Zip download comes with a feature-packed interface. As such, it’s the preferred choice of users around the world. Since it’s a free, open-source tool, you can download zip files on your Windows PC without a license, registration, or payment.

While 7-Zip is best known for its excellent compression ratio, the tool also offers solid AES-256 encryption, which allows password protection for files as well as file names. Additionally, the program supports self-extracting features for 7Z file format and includes command-line versions and a file manager.

Unlike other programs, 7-Zip comes with a basic plugin for FAR managers. Moreover, the app provides you with a language localization option, which lets you switch between multiple languages with a couple of clicks. Currently, the tool supports 80+ languages, with compatibility for more languages coming soon.

Expanded compatibility in the latest revamp

While 7-Zip's latest beta update (24.00) isn't a game-changer, it provides relief to users who work with specific file formats. The headliner is ZSTD support, which allows you to unpack trendy ZSTD archives and ZSTD-compressed ZIP, SquashFS, and RPM files. Power users can also unpack newer RAR creations and DMG archives with XZ compression. Performance improvements include faster unpacking of various archive types and faster hash calculation. Lastly, bug fixes address crashes in the File Manager and multi-volume creation issues.

Is 7-Zip free to use?

Since this zip file download for Windows 7 is free for both commercial and personal use, it’s perfect for businesses as well as individuals. Once you install this free zip download on your PC, you don’t need any subscription or registration. If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient way to zip and unzip files on your computer, the 7-Zip download for PC is the perfect choice.

Cost-efficient, convenient, and works well

 If you keep saving and sharing large-sized files, 7-Zip will be an excellent choice for your Windows PC. With an easy installation process, even beginners can download and install this program online. The simple interface allows you to use the app from the get-go. Since it’s integrated with Windows Shell and supports a wide range of formats, 7-Zip is a much better choice than counterparts available on the Internet. To keep your files secure, 7-Zip focuses on strong encryption capabilities. Additionally, it offers a high compression ratio.

7-Zip is designed for creating or unpacking archived and compressed files. The application can unpack 7zip, ZIP, CAB, RAR, ARJ, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, CPIO, RPM and DEB files, or create file archives in those formats.

For the standard ZIP and GZIP formats, 7the application promises to deliver a compression ratio that is 2 - 10 % better than that provided by PKZip or WinZip, and the native 7zip format can provide a 45% reduction in file size from the common zip format.

Key features:

  • High compression ratio in new 7z format with LZMA compression
  • 7-Zip is free software distributed under the GNU LGPL
  • Supported formats: Packing / unpacking: 7z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2 and TAR; Unpacking only: RAR, CAB, ARJ, LZH, CHM, Z, CPIO, RPM and DEB
  • For ZIP and GZIP formats 7-Zip provides compression ratio that is 2-10 % better than ratio provided by PKZip and WinZip
  • Self-extracting capability for 7z format

  • Integration with Windows Shell
  • Powerful File Manager
  • Powerful command line version
  • Plugin for FAR Manager
  • Localizations for 59 languages

PROS

  • Free to use
  • Compatible with multiple formats
  • Compresses all kinds of files
  • Wide range of features

CONS

  • Outdated interface
  • Settings aren’t beginner-friendly

Program available in other languages


7-Zip for PC

  • Free

  • In English
  • V 23.01
  • 4

    (5474)
  • Security Status


User reviews about 7-Zip

  • mara

    by mara

    7zip is free(!), easy to use, unzip files and zip them too, I don't want more or anything else. Thank you! I will surely recommend you! :)

  • jhoe dyicq

    by jhoe dyicq

    very good. and and i will recommend it to all my friends around the world

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    VERY GOOD.
    This is a very good fast latest software in this computer world
    Pros: youtube
    Cons: download

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    It zips..
    What can I say, it just zips as and when needed. It's always worked.

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    Yes, I can actually..
    Quite astonishing, really. An exquisite program for an exquisite piece of machinery, 10 out of 10 would install again./> Pros:
    Easy stuff
    Really easy stuff
    Cons:
    Nothing
    Nope More

  • Anonymous

    by Anonymous

    not ready for prime time..
    awful software. i had to use it to unzip a file that winrar actually reported as having file paths that were too long More


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Laws concerning the use of this software vary from country to country. We do not encourage or condone the use of this program if it is in violation of these laws.