Windows 11, 10, and previous versions have a native utility for making Zip folders (i.e., “zipping” files) and then extracting the files from that Zip folder once received. One way to strengthen security of Zip files is by password-protecting them, in the same way you can password-protect PDF files or other documents. As such, there is a risk of compromise or misuse even when sharing files between known parties. Unfortunately, this simple compression technology lacks basic security. Rather than share one large file or several files one-by-one, you can Zip the files to compress the size, and then share the single Zip file. While the technology behind them is quite old, Zip file technology is still great for compressing and sharing large files or multiple files at once via easy-to-transport folders. If a file in the Zip file is already encrypted, it will first be decrypted and then re-encrypted using the password and encryption method you specified.Zip files are a fast and easy option when you need to share large or multiple files all at once, usually via email.

Depending on your method, you may or may not have the option to change the encryption strength.

WinZip will ask for a password and then encrypt all files currently in the Zip file.

Right-click on the Zip file you wish to password protect.

zip(x): (quicker) Create a Zip file using the default compression method with a name as displayed in the menu you cannot specify other options with this method. Add/Move to Zip file: (quick) To specify your own Zip file name, compression type, encryption, and/or choose conversion options.In the WinZip submenu of the context menu that displays, choose either:.Find and highlight (select) the files and/or folders you would like to zip.You will need a third-party application such as WinZip or 7-Zip to apply a password to the compressed folder. Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 do not provide any features for password-protecting files or folders. You can hold CTRL and click on several files if more than one is needed.Right-click on a file to pull up the options menu.To Zip files using Windows Compressed Folders:

Description: Create ZIP files and password-protect them using Windows compressed folders or WinZip with the steps below.

Set password for zip file