Tips to open 7Z file

Can't open the 7Z file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open 7Z files as well as a list of programs that support 7Z files.

7Z file extension

File Name 7-Zip Compressed Format
File Developer 7-Zip
File Category Compressed Files

The 7Z file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the 7Z files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the 7Z file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 8
  • 5
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is 7Z file?

The .7Z file is an archive file. The format is related to the free 7ZIP software by Igor Pavlov. Currently, the format should be supported by most archiving software. This format offers greater compression capability than other proprietary and commercial solutions. It also handles files larger than 2GB without any problem. The algorithms used are among the best in terms of effectiveness, but with the highest compression levels the time needed for this process can be significant.

How to open 7Z file?

The most common problem when using 7-Zip Compressed Format is that a specific 7Z is not associated with the program. This is manifested by the fact that 7Z files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the 7Z file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install WinZip

In this case, you should first verify that the WinZip application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name WinZip in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file 7Z with WinZip. Below is a list of programs that support the file 7Z.

Programs to open 7Z file

Remember to download programs supporting 7Z files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.

Step 2. Create association of WinZip with 7Z files

If, despite the installed application, the 7Z file does not start in the WinZip application, you must create a file association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The displayed window will contain information about the program that supports this type of file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the WinZip application as the default for handling the 7Z file.

Step 3. Update WinZip to the latest version

If, despite the association of the WinZip program with the 7-Zip Compressed Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the WinZip Computing, S.L. website and install the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the 7Z file

If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:

The 7Z file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to 7Z files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the 7Z file that we want to open. However, remember that not every infected 7Z file can be recovered, so it is important to take care of regular backups.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the 7Z file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the ability to automatically repair 7Z file corruption. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact 7-Zip
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted 7Z files can be used by the device on which they were encrypted, on any other device it is required to have the appropriate cryptographic key and decrypt the file before its recovery.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. Copying the 7Z file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. You may find that another program you are using is preventing you from working with the file. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.