How to Create a Password Protected Zip File on Windows 10 using WinRAR

If you have confidential files that you want to keep secure, creating a password-protected zip file is an excellent way to do so. In this guide, we will show you how to use two popular tools, WinRAR and 7-Zip (free), to create a zip file with password protection.

Using 7-Zip to Create a Password Protected Zip File

First, if you haven't already installed 7-Zip on your Windows 10 system, visit this page to download the software. Run the setup file to get it installed. Once installed, follow these steps:

Step 1: Right-click on the file that you want to create an archive and add password protection, click 7-Zip, and then click Add to archive option.

Step 2: In the Archive name field, enter a name for your archive (or use the default name). Next, select Zip as the archive format by clicking the drop-down menu next to Archive format.

Step 3: To protect your zip file with a password, move to the Encryption section and enter a password. Re-enter the same password and click OK.

Once you've set your password, the zip file will appear in the same folder where your original file is located. Important: If you use 7-Zip to extract a password protected ZIP file, it won't ask for the password to view the content of the archive.

Using WinRAR to Create a Password Protected Zip File

Creating a password-protected zip file with WinRAR is similar to using 7-Zip. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open WinRAR and navigate to the folder where your original file is located.

Step 2: Right-click on the file that you want to create an archive and add password protection, click Add to archive option.

Step 3: In the Archive name field, enter a name for your archive (or use the default name). Next, select Zip as the archive format by clicking the drop-down menu next to Archive format.

Step 4: To protect your zip file with a password, move to the Encryption section and enter a password. Re-enter the same password and click OK.

In conclusion, using WinRAR or 7-Zip (free) is an easy way to create a password-protected zip file on Windows 10. By following these simple steps, you can keep your confidential files secure and out of reach from unauthorized access.

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