Using 7-zip for Windows

How to intall 7-zip on Windows, and creating an encrypted container.

Installing 7-Zip on Windows

You can request 7-Zip be installed on your University supported Windows desktop via the Software Center. Alternatively, if you are on a self managed machine, it can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. Please use the appropriate link from the following two:

Creating an encrypted Zip archive

Right-click on the file or folder you want to add to an encrypted archive. Select 7-Zip, then Add to archive…

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Select 7-Zip, then Add to archive - menu screenshot
Change the Archive format to zip.
 
 
Change the Archive format to zip. Screenshot

Change the Encryption method to AES-256.

 
Enter your chosen password for the encrypted archive
Enter your chosen password for the encrypted archive. Guidance on making up secure, strong passwords:

Passwords

 

 

 

 

 
Re-enter the password to confirm.
Re-enter the password to confirm.

Click OK.

The encrypted zip archive file will be created in the same location as the original file or folder. It can now be sent securely via email as an attachment.

Use a medium other than email to transmit the password to the intended recipient.

 

Extracting an encrypted Zip archive

Right-click on the zip archive. (Note: If you received the zip file as an attachment, save this to a folder first, then right-click the file.)

Right-click on the zip archive.

Select 7-Zip, then Extract files…

Select the destination for the extracted files. Enter the password.

Click Ok. Your files will be decrypted and extracted to the location you previously specified.

Enter the password

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