How to Zip, RAR, and password protect files in Windows 11

Windows 11 can create ZIP files on its own. For password-protected ZIPs, use 7-Zip. For RAR files, use WinRAR. The built-in ZIP option does not support passwords, so you will need 7-Zip for that.

You do not need to buy any premium software to protect or compress your data. Method 1 uses the Windows 11 right-click menu. Method 2 uses 7-Zip for password protection. Method 3 uses WinRAR for RAR files.

How to create a standard ZIP file (no extra software)

Windows 11 can create ZIP files right inside File Explorer with no extra software.

Open File Explorer.
In File Explorer, go to the files or folders you want to compress into a ZIP file.
Select the files or folders.
Right-click the selection.
Hover your mouse over Compress to.
Select ZIP File.

Right-click, hover over Compress to, and click ZIP File

Windows creates a new ZIP file in the same folder. The name is highlighted, so you can type a new name right away.

How to create a password-protected ZIP file using 7-Zip

Windows 11 cannot add a password to a ZIP file on its own. To add a password, you will need the free program 7-Zip. You can download and install 7-Zip from the official 7-Zip.org website.

Open File Explorer.
In File Explorer, go to the files or folders you want to compress and protect.
Select the files or folders.
Right-click the selection.
Click Show more options.
Hover over 7-Zip.
Click Add to archive.
Set the Archive format dropdown to zip.
In the Encryption section, type your password into both text fields.
Set the Encryption method dropdown to AES-256.
Click OK.

Enter password and select AES-256 encryption method in 7-Zip

How to create a RAR file using WinRAR

RAR is a paid compression format. You need WinRAR to create one. You can download and install WinRAR from the official WinRAR website.

Note: WinRAR is free after a 40-day trial. You will see a reminder to buy a license each time you open it, but the software keeps working.

Open File Explorer.
In File Explorer, go to the files or folders you want to compress.
Select the files or folders.
Right-click the selection.
Hover over WinRAR.
Click Add to archive….
Click OK.
Tip: If you do not see WinRAR, click Show more options at the bottom of the menu first.

Right-click, hover over WinRAR, click Add to archive

WinRAR creates a new RAR file in the same folder. Note: You can password-protect a RAR file the same way. In the WinRAR window, click Set password before clicking OK.

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How to open ZIP, RAR, or 7Z files on Windows 11

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