How to Password Protect ZIP Files on Windows and Mac

Compressed files can cram terabytes of data into one place and transfer it to just about anyone in a single transfer. Compressed files are commonly known as files. zip.

This is one of the most convenient ways to transfer data between computers. Many people want to protect it because of its widespread use. Only those with authorization can extract the contents of zip files using a password.

What is a password protected Zip file?

The phrase “password protected”means that the sender has protected the file with a password. You will not be able to access or view its content unless you have the correct password. File encryption is the process of encrypting files.

It “encrypts”or scrambles the data in the file, resulting in unreadable ciphertext. You can only access the contents of the data by entering the correct password. It will decrypt the data and return it to readable “plain text”.

Zip format for compressing files without sacrificing data quality. The file format is ideal for sending multiple files or folders. This lets you compress everything into one file, resulting in a smaller file size.

The password-protected ZIP file has been encrypted using File Encryption. The correct password is required to unlock and gain access.

Encryption Method to Create a Password Protected ZIP File in Windows 10

Password Protect ZIP Files (Windows System Tools)
Password protection of ZIP files with software
Winrar
winzip
7zip
File Folder Encryption (Standard macOS Tools)
How to open a password protected ZIP file

1. Password Protect ZIP Files (Windows System Tools)

Microsoft Windows 10 includes a built-in password protection tool for files and folders. Windows password protection can also protect ZIP files from unauthorized access.

You can still open the file without asking for a password. The contents of the file can also be viewed and processed without making any changes. With a key issued by Windows and stored in your user account, the file is password protected.

As long as you are linked to your user account, you have access to the file. Other users, on the other hand, will be denied access. However, it only works as a password-protected ZIP file in a few applications. This feature does not support sending password-protected ZIP files.

Follow these steps to enable password protection for your files:

Click on the ZIP file you want to password protect with the right mouse button.
To open the file properties, select Properties from the context menu.
To open the Advanced Attributes dialog box, click Advanced on the General tab.
Check the box next to “Encrypt content to protect data”in the Advanced Attributes dialog box.
Click OK to close the Advanced Attributes dialog box and OK or Apply to save changes to the file properties.
A padlock has been added to the file icon. This means that the file in question is password protected.

If this setting is disabled by default, follow these steps:

Press Windows + R, then type services.msc in the search box.
Double-click Encrypting File System (EFS) and set Startup Type to Automatic under General.
Apply and then OK.
Restart your computer.

2. Password protect ZIP files with software

A. WinRAR

WinRAR is a program that allows you to create and manage a new zip file. Plus, it helps protect them. With a free trial, you can take control of your compressed files forever. Regular updates ensure your experience is always the best.

Download or buy WinRAR. After installing WinRAR, follow the steps below to learn how to password protect a ZIP file.
WinRAR can be used to open a ZIP file.
In the corner (top left) of the WinRAR window, select Tools.
Convert archives is the option to choose from. In WinRAR, you can use the keyboard shortcut Alt + Q to quickly access this feature.
A pop-up window will appear on your screen. Select Compression from the drop-down menu.
Set a password by clicking the Set password button.
Enter your chosen password in the “Enter password”field, then re-enter it in the “Retype password confirmation”field.

Click OK. “Do you want to encrypt the converted archives?”will appear in a new window. Allow WinRAR to process the request by clicking Yes.
Close WinRAR when it applies the password. Now you can securely send the ZIP file to anyone.

B. WinZip

WinZip, a compression program, offers a more natural and faster way. This is the most commonly used way to protect zip files and also reduce their size.

Regardless of which operating system you are using, you can safely follow the procedures below.

Create a ZIP file

To do this, open a folder window.
Find the files and folders you want to compress and highlight (select) them.
In the selected area, right-click.
Select one from the WinZip submenu of the context menu that appears.
- Add to Archive: to customize your Zip file name, compression type, encryption, and conversion options.

Zip (x): Create a Zip file with the default compression method and the name given in the menu. This method does not allow you to select any additional options.
It’s time to make a Zip file.

Password protected Zip file.

To password protect a WinZip archive, follow these steps:
Open WinZip and go to tools after selecting the file to be encrypted.
Select “Encrypt”from the drop-down menu.
WinZip will ask you for a password before encrypting all files in the Zip file. You may not be able to change the encryption strength depending on the method you are using.
Let’s assume the Zip file is already encrypted. It will be decrypted before being re-encrypted using the password and encryption method you provided.

C. 7-Zip

7-Zip is the program I suggest to protect the archive format. It is easy to use and learn. Even beginners can benefit from the simplicity of a compressed folder. zip.

Get 7-Zip for free or buy it. After installing 7-Zip, follow these steps to learn how to password protect a file. zip.
Select the file(s) you want to include in your password-protected.zip package.
Right click, then hover over the 7-Zip option. This will bring up a new context menu.
Select the option to add to the archive.
Enter and re-enter the password in the “Encryption”section by filling in the appropriate fields. Optionally, you can select an encryption mechanism from the drop-down menu.
To create a password protected archive. zip, click OK.

3. Encrypt file folders (standard macOS tools)

The Apple macOS operating system does not have built-in tools to protect ZIP files with a password. You can use image files to encrypt folders that store ZIP files. To do this, follow these steps:

In Finder, the default macOS file manager, create a new folder.
Put all the ZIP files you want to protect in the folder you just created.
The macOS hard drive maintenance software should now be open. This can be done using Spotlight search.
Select “Image from Folder”under “New Image”in the “File”menu bar above.
From the drop-down menu, select the folder containing the files you want to protect and click Open.
Give the image a title and save it somewhere.
Select an encryption method.
Enter your password and click “Select”to confirm your choice.
Make sure the image format is “Compressed”and click “Save”to complete the procedure.
The encrypted image is saved in the selected location as a file. dmg.
To access a password-protected file, select an image by double-clicking on it and entering your password.
If necessary, the password to open the image file can be stored in the user account’s keychain.
If you are no longer using protected files, extract the image using the Finder. Otherwise, they will be available without a password.

How to open a password protected Zip file?

You can use the ZIP encryption that Windows supports to protect ZIP files with a password. Without entering a password, you can see the names of the files found inside the archive.

To open a password-protected ZIP file in File Explorer, double-click (or double-tap) it.
However, if you do not provide the correct password, you will not be able to open the files included in the ZIP file.
When you double-click or double-tap a file contained in a password-protected ZIP file. The explorer will ask you for a password. Click OK after you have entered it.
You can see the contents of the file you want to open if you enter the correct password.

Conclusion

A ZIP folder is a great way to keep your data safe. Password protection for extremely intimate photos, information or data. Just make sure your password is kept secure.