How to Use 7-Zip to Encrypt Files and Folders
This guide covers how to encrypt files and folders on your Windows PC computer using 7-Zip.
1. Right click on the file / folder to be encrypted.
![mouse hovering over test_folder icon on desktop](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/381/870/original/aaa1252a-bde2-445e-a4a5-9297e7609073.png)
2. Select 7-Zip and then select Add to archive.
![opening 7-Zip context menu to select Add to archive](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/392/526/original/e3cfe1e5-5013-48e3-a672-26209a0a7ca4.png)
- Select 7-Zip
- Then select Add to archive.
3. Change the name of the archive in the Add to Archive window to reflect the contents of the archive.
![naming an archive](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/392/528/original/fdf0d5de-d1e6-4943-85c6-96477a8eeea3.png)
4. Change the Archive format to 7z (if it's not already selected).
![changing archive format to 7z](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/392/530/original/c6b353db-1c28-453f-b42f-941f94bedf40.png)
5. Enter a password for the archive.
Use a strong password with at least 12 characters containing upper and lowercase letters, and a minimum of one number.
![creating a password for the archive and re-entering same password](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/392/534/original/ab399408-042a-4e54-a723-354f6ad9aa62.png)
6. Click OK to create the encrypted archive file. The new archive file will be located in the same folder as the original file/folder.
Do not share a password via email. Passwords must be shared via out of band, meaning that you send the file and the password by different communication channels: one on the internet, and one not. The best way is to call the recipient of the Zip file and convey the password over the phone.
![creating encrypted file by clicking ok](https://media.screensteps.com/image_assets/assets/005/392/536/original/1059d225-2046-4be1-8586-1440d5745cec.png)
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