To password protect a ZIP file on Windows, right click on your files, choose 7-Zip and click Add to archive. Ensure to pick ZIP as the format then type your desired password and click OK and WinRAR also works on Windows. On Mac use Terminal or the free Keka app. Choose a strong password and save it in a safe place. This step lets you open the file if you forget the password.

What You’ll Learn Hide
  1. Why Password Protection is Necessary?
  2. Password Protect a ZIP File: All Methods
  3. Windows Users Steps
  4. Mac Users Steps
  5. How to Create a Stronger Password?
  6. How to Remove Password From a ZIP File?
  7. What to Do If You Forget The ZIP File Password?
  8. Professional Tool Method
  9. Mistakes to Avoid
  10. End Note
  11. FAQs

ZIP files make it easier to send multiple files at a time. But without password unwanted people also can open it. Using a password on ZIP file protects it from falling into the wrong hands. Many users want to know how to password protect a ZIP file and some may forget the password later. This guide solves both problems. You will learn simple steps for Windows and Mac, how to remove a password and what to do if you forget the ZIP file password. Additionally read this if you want to recover a corrupted ZIP file.

Why is Password Protection Necessary for a ZIP File?

A ZIP file often contains private things like tax papers, bank details and ID scans. When you password protect a ZIP file only people with the password can open it. This helps in three common cases:

  • It keeps all your files and data protected and Only the people you share the password with can access the file.
  • Sending your ZIP file to the wrong email address by mistake won’t leak your data so no unauthorized person can open or read your files.
  • Using a password on a ZIP file maintains privacy and you can also share your computer with others without worrying about your data.

A password hides what is inside the file. But file names stay visible so make sure to avoid private words in file names.

How to Password Protect a ZIP File: All Methods

Windows File Explorer and Mac Finder can make ZIP files. But they cannot add a password. To password protect a ZIP file you need one of the tools below. Here are all methods for Windows and Mac both:

For Windows Users

Windows users can use 7-Zip or WinRAR.

Set Password on ZIP File Using 7-Zip

7-Zip is a free tool that adds password in ZIP File in a few clicks. Download it from its official website first then follow these steps:

  1. Right click the file or folder then click Show more options first.
  2. Choose 7-Zip then click Add to archive.
  3. Set Archive format to zip. Most tools can open this format.
  4. Enter your desired password in both boxes.
  5. Set Encryption method to AES-256. It gives stronger protection than ZipCrypto then click OK.
  6. 7-Zip saves the new ZIP file next to the original. Delete the original if you do not need it anymore since it has no password.

Add Password to ZIP File Using WinRAR

If you already use WinRAR, it can also password protect a ZIP file.

  1. Right click the file or folder, click Show more options and choose Add to archive.
  2. Under Archive format select ZIP. WinRAR picks RAR by default so this step gives you a ZIP file.
  3. Click Set password.
  4. Type the password you want to set in both boxes then click OK.
  5. Click OK again to create the file.

For Mac Users

Mac users can use Terminal or Keka.

Set Password for ZIP File on Mac Using Terminal

Terminal can password protect a ZIP file on any Mac and it comes built in. It uses an older and weaker type of protection so you should choose Keka if you want stronger privacy.

  1. Open Terminal from Applications then Utilities.
  2. Type cd and a space, drag your folder into the Terminal window then press Return. This tells Terminal where your files are.
  3. Type zip -er protected.zip FolderName then press Return. Replace FolderName with the name of the file or folder you want to protect. The e adds the password and the r includes everything inside a folder.
  4. Enter your password when asked then again to confirm. Terminal shows nothing as you type which is normal.

Add Password to ZIP File on Mac Using Keka

Keka is a free app that lets you password protect a ZIP file. Download it from its official website.

  1. Open Keka and choose Zip as the format.
  2. Enter your password in the password box.
  3. Drag your file or folder into the Keka window. Keka creates the protected ZIP file for you.

How to Create a Strong Password?

Weaker passwords are easier to guess. An unauthorized user tries weaker or common passwords first so choose a strong password. Here are some tips to create as stronger password:

  • Use more than 12 characters. Longer passwords are not easier for anyone to guess.
  • Mix letters, numbers and symbols. This makes the best combination for stronger passwords.
  • Do not use names, birthdays and the word “password” as these details many people may know.
  • Share the password separately. Do not send it in the same email as the ZIP file.

How to Remove Password from a ZIP File?

If you no longer need to password protect a ZIP file in the future. In that case you can remove the password if you know it. ZIP files do not have a remove button. You simply unzip the files and zip them again without a password.

Remove ZIP File Password on Windows

  1. Right click the ZIP file.
  2. Choose 7-Zip then Extract files and enter the password.
  3. Then zip the new files again with 7-Zip then Add to archive.
  4. Choose zip and leave the password boxes empty.

Remove ZIP File Password on Mac

  1. Double click the ZIP file and enter the password.
  2. Then select the unzipped files, right click and choose Compress.
  3. The new ZIP file has no password. If macOS cannot open the file you can unzip it with Keka.

What to Do If You Forget the ZIP File Password?

You password protect a ZIP file and then you may forget the password later. Windows and Mac do not have a password reset feature for ZIP file. Try these simple checks first:

  • Search your saved passwords, check your password manager, notes and old emails.
  • Ask the sender for the password they may know it.
  • Look for the original files as a backup or cloud copy lets you make a new ZIP file.

Use Professional Software to Recover a ZIP Password

You may password protect a ZIP file for safety. But if you forget the ZIP file password later, it can block you from your data so if the manual steps fail Use professional tool like SysTools Zip Password Recovery Tool. Download this tool on your Windows or Mac computer then follow these steps: