7-Zip is the free archiver that handles everything. Here’s how to use it like a pro.

Right-Click Integration

After install, right-click any file or folder. The 7-Zip submenu gives you these options:

  • Add to archive — Custom compression settings
  • Compress to “name.7z” — Quick compression with defaults
  • Extract Here — Extract to current folder
  • Extract to “name” — Extract to a new folder

Best Compression Settings

Archive format: 7z. Compression level: Ultra. Compression method: LZMA2. Dictionary size: 64MB (higher = better compression but more RAM). Word size: 64. Solid Block size: 4GB. This gives the best ratio for most files.

Password Protection

In the Add to Archive dialog, enter a password under Encryption. Check “Encrypt file names” so even the file list isn’t visible without the password. Use AES-256 encryption — it’s the strongest available.

Splitting Archives

In “Split to volumes, bytes,” enter a size like 100M to split into 100MB chunks. Useful for email attachment limits or uploading to services with file size caps.

Creating Self-Extracting Archives

Check “Create SFX archive” in the dialog. This creates a .exe that extracts itself without needing 7-Zip installed on the target machine. Great for sharing with non-technical users.

Command Line

7z a archive.7z folder/          # Compress
7z x archive.7z                  # Extract with paths
7z l archive.7z                  # List contents
7z t archive.7z                  # Test archive integrity