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How to password protect a zip file on windows 10?

How to password protect a zip file on windows 10?

  • 29th Oct, 2020
  • IGS Cleaner

If you work with files and documents, you are also probably used to working with ZIP files. You find them everywhere: on the websites where you download files, to the documents your associates send through email. ZIP files are usual as they shrink the size of files or folders and hence make it simpler to send them over the internet or other means. Keeping your personal files secured all the time is exceptionally important. Setting up passwords for certain files, folders, or zip packages is suggested particularly if there are other people who have gained access to your device. You can download igs cleaner, pc cleaner optimizer to protect and boost your computer’s performance.

Also, if you share files between multiple computers, or use a network that is not appropriately protected, the best is to set personal passwords for your most crucial files. Although ZIP file records are not secured by default from spying eyes, you can protect their contents by creating passwords without which they cannot be opened. Here are ways to password-protect ZIP records in Windows:


Use WinZip


WinZip is a tool that has been downloaded over 1 billion times, which means that it has significant aspects in it. And it has, actually. Here is a swift guide on how to password protect a file that you want to zip using WinZip.


  • Download now WinZip (free) and install it on your device.
  • Once installed, open it, and clink Create/Share on the top options panel so it opens the main actions menu.
  • Don't forget to activate the Encrypt option in the right ACTIONS menu.
  • Pull a file from the navigator menu on the right into the NewZip.zip center space
  • When a file is pulled, if you enabled the Encrypt function then set your password window will appear
  • After creating your password, you also will be required to set the encryption setting, now you are done! Now you have a full proof encrypted, password-protected ZIP file.

Use WinRAR


WinRAR is maybe the most perfect tool used in the Windows 10 system. Of course, WinRAR can aid you easily compress files and folders into one compressed file.

Moreover, and few people know this facet, WinRAR can also be used for setting up a password for the compressed file. Thus, in this situation, we can utilize this free-distributed app for securing our zip files. Here is how we can do this operation:

  • Of course, begin by downloading the WinRAR client.
  • Follow on-screen instructions and install this program – just clink on the feasible WinRAR file.
  • Next, select the file which you want to compress and protect.
  • Right-click on this file and from the list that will be shown select ‘Add to archive’.
  • From the window that will be shown, under the General tab, enter a name for the future zip file, select the Archive format (clink on ZIP) and before doing OK for validating your changes, clink on Set password.
  • When instructed, enter your passwords and re-enter it for confirmation.
  • Apply the changes and that’s all.

Now, if you want to create a password for an already existing compressed file, follow these steps:


  • Open WinRAR and clink on Tools.
  • Then, select Convert Archives from the Tools options.
  • From Convert Archives, under Archive types retain the zip option checked.
  • Select the location where you want to save the secured zip and then clink on the Compression… button.
  • The Set default compression options window will be shown. Under the General tab clink on Set password… and enter your password.
  • Complete the confirmation process and save your file.

Use 7-Zip


Unlike WinRAR, through 7-Zip you will not be able to set a password for an already existing compressed zip file. This software will let you create one password only during the zip process. So, for already existing compressed packages, you will have to unzip them first and re-zip afterward.

Well, 7-Zip is also free and provides an built-in interface, just as we learnt with the WinRAR client. As you will learn, both platforms are completely alike so just select the one that you prefer the most, or try them both and determine afterward which solution is best for what you wish to attain.


  • First of all, download the program on your Windows 10 device.
  • Install 7-Zip on your device, run the feasible file and then follow on-screen instructions.
  • Select the file you want to compress and right-click on it.
  • Select Add to Archive.
  • Under the Add to Archive window, you need to: give a name to the file, set an archive pattern, and enter an encryption solution.
  • Now, set the password for protecting the future zip file.
  • When completed, click on OK.
  • That’s all.

These are the simplest methods in which you can secure a zip file by creating a firm password. Keep in mind that Windows 10 does not offer a built-in solution to do this encryption.

However, by utilizing the methods and tools listed above you can easily protect any zip file you want. Both WinRAR and 7-Zip are open-source platforms, so you can download and utilize them for free.