How to Password Protect and Encrypt Files using 7-Zip for Windows

7-Zip can password protect and encrypt any file you put in a zip folder, regardless of the file extension.

  1. Navigate to the 7-Zip download page. 

    Download 7 ZIP file options for Windows
  2. Click the correct .exe for your operating system, and save it to your computer.

    Download 7 ZIP file options for Windows
  3. Click "Install" then once it's finished, click "Close."

  4. Find the file you want to encrypt, right click it, navigate to 7-Zip>Add to archive...

  5. You will be presented with this screen.

  6. Change the archive format to "zip" to make your zip folder.

  7. Create a password for the document, re-enter it, then change the encryption method to AES-256, then press "OK."

  8. A zip folder will then be created in the directory your file was in that is both encrypted and password protected with the password you gave it.

NOTE: If you lose or forget a password, Excel cannot recover your data.
NOTE: Never email the password to the file in the same email. Either relay the password over the phone or send it using other means like a text message. Do not email the password to the recipient. 


Search Answers

Related articles