How To Make A Zip File Password Protected In Windows 10, by TechTutor on YouTube. 4 min 24 s.
- Video length
- 4 min 24 s
- Time to do it
- 5 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 7
What you need
Steps
Install 7-Zip from the official website if you do not already have it, then right-click the file or folder you want to protect.
In the context menu, choose 7-Zip, then Add to archive. This opens the Add to Archive window.
In Archive name, type a name for the new zip file. Set Archive format to zip.
In the Encryption section, type your password in Enter password and Reenter password.
Set Encryption method to AES-256 for stronger protection. Leave it as ZipCrypto only if very old unzip tools must open the file.
Click OK. 7-Zip creates the new zip file in the same folder as the original.
Double-click the new zip file and enter the password. Check that the files open before you send or upload the archive.
Tips and common mistakes
There is no way to recover a forgotten zip password, so store it in a password manager.
Do not send the password in the same email as the zip file.
AES-256 may not open in very old unzip tools, so use ZipCrypto only when you need that compatibility.
Questions
Can Windows 10 create a password-protected zip without extra software?
No, the built-in Compress to ZIP feature does not add a password. You need a tool such as 7-Zip.
What happens if I forget the password?
You cannot open or recover the files from that zip. Make a new archive with a password you can remember.
Does this work on Windows 8 and Windows 7?
Yes, 7-Zip runs on those versions and the Add to Archive steps are the same.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
