7-Zip review

7-Zip is not marketed as encryption software, but for many people it is the quickest way to lock a set of files before emailing or uploading them. Right-click files in Windows Explorer, add them to a 7z or ZIP archive, set a password, and 7-Zip applies AES-256 encryption. In the 7z format you can also hide the file names. Because it compresses at the same time, the encrypted archive is usually smaller than the originals, and a self-extracting 7z option lets the recipient open it without installing 7-Zip. It is free for any use, including inside companies, and needs no registration. The limits are clear: 7-Zip makes encrypted copies, not a live encrypted drive, so the originals stay unencrypted until you delete them. Official builds are Windows only, so Mac and Linux recipients need a compatible archiver. The current version is 26.06, released on November 6, 2026.

Who it is for

Windows users who want free password-protected archives

Price

Free, including for commercial use.

You can use 7-Zip on any computer, including a computer in a commercial organization. You don't need to register or pay for 7-Zip.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 14, 2026.

Key features

• AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats
• Self-extracting 7z archives
• Windows Explorer shell integration
• Command line version for scripts
• Localizations for 87 languages

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free for home and business use with no registration
• Strength: Runs on Windows 11 back to Windows XP, including ARM64
• Strength: Compresses and encrypts in one step, so encrypted files are smaller to send
• Weakness: Encrypts archives, not live drives or folders you keep working in
• Weakness: Official downloads on 7-zip.org are for Windows only
• Weakness: The recipient needs the password and an archiver that supports AES

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Encryption: AES-256 in 7z and ZIP
• Platforms: Windows (x64, ARM64, 32-bit)
• Latest release: 26.06, November 6, 2026

Where it ranks

7-Zip is No. 3 in our Best File Encryption Software verdict.