How To Encrypt Zip Files

For Mac, Windows and Android systems

You’ll want to encrypt a Zip file if you don’t want just anyone to be able to open it. A normal, unencrypted Zip file can be viewed in seconds on most operating systems with a simple double-click, revealing all the files inside.

A password protected, encrypted Zip fileprevents this, locking down the archive so that only specific people can access its contents (or anyone who has luck with a Zip file unlocker).

Why Use a Zip File?

There are several reasons to want to use a Zip archive versus just storing the files in a folder, but what they all have in common is ease of use.

Zip files organize data into one single folder that acts just like a file, meaning that you can store hundreds of files and folders in one location without fear that you might accidentally delete some of the content. This is common for file backups.

You can also share Zip files online to send someone multiple files simultaneously. The alternative is to share several emails, one after the other, with attachments strung all over the place. This is usually hard to deal with as a recipient and definitely unprofessional.

A Zip file can be compressed too to save disk space, which is something you should think about if you’re planning on encrypting a ZIP file that has lots of items in it, or one that contains sensitive files.

Tip: Encrypting ZIP files is limited to just those files. Learnhow to encrypt your entire hard drivefor even more protection.

How To Create & Encrypt a Zip File

You can encrypt files inside a ZIP archive using free tools that you can download in seconds. ZIP encryption works on all operating systems (Windows, Android, macOS, etc).

The Zip encryption method we’ll cover for Windows involves using the free7-Zipprogram, but there are plenty of otherWindows freewarethat work similarly, such asPeaZip.

For added security, feel free to change the encryption method toAES-256.

To encrypt a Zip file on a Mac, download the freeiZipprogram and then follow these steps:

Android Zip Encryption

B1 Archiveris a free Android app that lets you make password protected, encrypted ZIP files right from your phone.

Step 1: Locate the items that you want to encrypt to a ZIP file. You can encrypt entire folders, any sub-folders, and specific files.

Step 2: Tap-and-hold one item and chooseMulti Selectfrom the menu.

Step 3: Select each item you want encrypted by tapping them.

Step 4: SelectZIPat the top.

Step 5: Choose the bubble next toZIPand provide a name for the encrypted ZIP file.

Step 6: Select the box next toProtect with password, and then enter the password that you want to use to protect the ZIP file.

Step 7: TapOKand then re-enter the password for confirmation.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

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