7-Zip

7-Zip is a "minimalist yet powerful" free compression tool dedicated to making file compression simple and efficient. Whether students are organizing courseware, designers are packaging materials, or ordinary users are backing up photos, file processing can be easily completed through its refreshing interface and smart functions. It supports all platforms and can use all functions without paying, making it an ideal alternative to paid compression software.

7-Zip function

One-click basic operation

The right-click menu directly calls "Add to compressed file" and "Extract to current folder", supports batch processing of tens of thousands of files, automatically identifies and skips duplicate files, and saves operation time.

Supports previewing files in compressed packages (no need to decompress), directly viewing text, pictures, and document contents, and quickly confirming whether the files in the package are correct.

Intelligent compression strategy

It provides 5 compression modes including "storage", "fast" and "maximum". The default "standard mode" strikes a balance between compression speed and volume. The compression time of 5GB video files is reduced by 10% compared with similar tools.

For multimedia files (such as MP4, JPG), redundant compression is automatically disabled to avoid invalid processing and improve efficiency.

Humanized detail design

After the compression is completed, you can select "Automatic shutdown" or "Hibernate" to avoid idling the device; it supports adding comments (such as "2024 Travel Photo Backup") to the compressed package to facilitate later management.

Compatible with Unicode file names, there is no garbled code problem during cross-language transmission (such as file transfer between China, Japan and Korea), and the file name display is complete and accurate.

7-Zip Features

AES-256 encryption

Set a password for 7z or ZIP archives and use military-grade encryption standards to prevent data leakage.

Encrypted file header (7z format only): Hide metadata such as file name and size to enhance privacy protection (even if the password is cracked, the attacker cannot obtain the file list in the compressed package).

Password management

Supports password memory (needs to be manually enabled) to avoid repeated entry.

Note: 7-Zip does not provide password retrieval function. If you forget your password, your data may be permanently lost.

Right-click menu integration

Just right-click the file/folder in Windows File Explorer and select the "7-Zip" submenu to quickly compress, decompress or add a password.

Drag and drop

Drag files into the 7-Zip main window to add them to the archive, or drag files out of the archive to decompress them directly.

Batch processing

Compress/decompress multiple files in batches through the command line or script, suitable for automated tasks (such as scheduled log backup).

7-Zip Highlights

Seamless cross-platform connection: Windows users use the graphical interface for quick operations, Linux users use terminal commands for batch processing, and macOS users enjoy native shortcut key adaptation (such as Cmd+Z to undo operations), with a consistent experience across all platforms.

Open ecological compatibility: It can be integrated into file managers (such as Total Commander) and cloud storage tools (such as Nextcloud) as a plug-in to realize the one-stop process of "compression-uploading-sharing" and improve work efficiency.

Long-term technical support: Although it is an open source project, the official team continues to maintain updates to ensure full compatibility with the latest operating systems (such as Windows 12 preview, Ubuntu 24.04) and file systems (such as ReFS, APFS).

7-Zip FAQ

Compressed file is too large

Reason: An efficient compression algorithm was not selected or the compression level is too low.

Solution:

Choose a more efficient compression algorithm (such as LZMA2) to strike a balance between compression efficiency and speed.

Set a higher compression level (such as "Maximum"), but be aware that it will consume more time and system resources.

Split compressed files: Split large files into multiple parts for easy transfer or storage.

Compressed files cannot be decompressed after being encrypted

Reason: The entered password is incorrect or the encryption method is incompatible.

Solution:

Make sure you enter the correct password.

Decompress the file using the same software and version that was used to encrypt it.

Developer GG said there are really no bugs this time~