How to create a password-protected ZIP file in Windows 11

This step-by-step tutorial will show you how to create a password-protected ZIP file in Windows 11.

ZIP is an archive file format that supports lossless data compression. A ZIP file may contain one or more files or folders.

How to create a password-protected ZIP file in Windows 11 with 7-Zip

Open your web browser.
Go to 7-zip.org.
Download 7-Zip.
Open the 7-Zip installation file you've just downloaded.
If a 'User Account Control' window appears, you click on Yes.
In the next window, you click on Install.
When the installation is complete, you click on Close.
You can close your web browser now.
Open File Explorer.
Go to the files or folders you want to zip.
Select the files or folders.
Right-click on the selected files or folders.
Click on Show more options.
Move your mouse cursor (pointer) to 7-Zip.
Click on Add to archive.
In the next window, you select zip at Archive format.
In the Encryption section, you enter the password you want to use for the ZIP file in both password fields.
At Encryption method, you select AES-256.
Click on OK at the bottom of the 'Add to Archive' window.

7-Zip will now create the password-protected ZIP file.

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