Program information 
- Softonic Rating:
- License:
- Evaluation
- Added:
- October 20, 2006
- Updated:
- April 11, 2008
- Publisher:
- Website
- File size:
- 13.0 MB
- Downloads:
- 74,231
“The ZIP file utility for Windows”
Traditionally the first choice when it comes to compressing and uncompressing files, WinZip is one of the most popular downloads of all time. Despite the fact that its competitors have caught up somewhat, it remains a simple way to archive programs and reduce file sizes.
Much of the app’s success has been down to its simplicity. From the outset, the program prompts you to choose between Classic mode and Wizard mode. The wizard is great for beginners, although even the classic interface is easily negotiated, giving you instant access to a range of features such as compression ratios, password-protection and a Favorites list.
While archiving files in WinZip is quick and easy, you can’t help but thinking that the program has lost some ground on its competitors. For instance, the compression rates aren’t as high as they are in WinRAR, and you can only save files in Zip format rather than RAR, ISO or JAR. Nevertheless, the program performs well and now comes bundled with Google Toolbar and Google Desktop Search, and is also fully certified for Windows Vista.
Languages:
English
Recent changes in WinZip:
- Unicode support to ensure international characters are displayed for filenames in a Zip file when the Zip file is shared between two computers having different code pages (the default set of text characters available for display.) For Unicode support, the Zip file must be created and opened with a zip utility that supports the Unicode extensions to the Zip file format such as WinZip 11.2
- Integrated support for LHA to create, open and extract LHA archives (.LHA and .LZH). This eliminates the need for a third-party DOS program
- Removal of support for DOS-based, third-party programs such as ARJ and ARC
- Minor bug fixes and enhancements
Limitations:
45 day Trial Period
OS requirements for WinZip:
- OS: Win2000/XP/Vista
- Easy-to-use interface
- Quick compression and decompression
- Only handles Zip compression
- Not compatible with as many formats as WinRAR
- Nag screen
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From the publisher of WinZip
WinZip 11.2 is an updated version of our most recent major release—WinZip 11.0—that supports Windows Vista. In addition to the great features introduced in WinZip 11.0 (outlined below), WinZip 11.1 includes:
- Certified for Vista
- Vista-style toolbar and program icons
- Vista Explorer-style user interface
- Support for 64-bit Windows Vista and XP as well as 32-bit Windows Vista, XP, and 2000
- MSI packaged for easy, customizable installation
WinZip 11.1 offers a thumbnail image view and automatic compression selection, plus improved compression for audio files (WAV) and the ability to open .BZ2 and .RAR files.
WinZip 11.1 Pro adds expanded data backup functionality and includes a new internal image viewer that allows you to browse through multiple images within the Zip file.
More WinZip screenshots
Posts about WinZip in our blog
- First look at WinRAR 3.80 Beta by Elena Santos
- Preview images in compressed files by Nicholas Mead
- Ditch Windows Explorer for Directory Opus by James Thornton
- Make your files even smaller with WinUHA by James Thornton
- Six compression utilities compared by Cyril Roger
User opinions about WinZip (1)
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Winzip is the defacto app if u need to compress large files into a more manageable Zip file. The wizard is helpful in getting beginners to learn to use it. It's got extra features to secure your fi... read more
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