You have a folder of files that is too big to email, some of it is sensitive, and you also want a copy backed up somewhere safe. Doing that with three separate tools gets tedious. WinZip handles compressing, encrypting, sharing and backing up in one Windows program.
Quick facts
- Platform: Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit); a separate Mac edition exists
- Editions: WinZip Standard, WinZip Pro and Enterprise
- Trial: 21-day free trial
- Guarantee: 30-day money back guarantee
Key features
Open nearly any archive you receive
WinZip opens Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZIP, VHD, XZ and more. It can also open ISO, IMG, BZ2, LHA and CAB files, so you rarely need a second extractor.
Encrypt files while you zip them
Tick the encrypt option and your files are protected with AES encryption (128- and 256-bit) as the archive is created. You can also create read-only PDFs and add watermarks to discourage copying.
Manage files on your PC, network and cloud in one place
The Files Pane lets you find, open, move and share files whether they sit on your computer, a network or a cloud service. The ribbon toggles between a simplified view for everyday tasks and an advanced view with the full feature set.
Share large files by email, cloud, social media or chat
Clicking Share opens SafeShare (Pro and Enterprise), which combines password-protected encryption, an expiration date, watermarks and PDF merging in one workflow.
Schedule backups and automatic cleanup
Background tools let you set rules to remove old files and schedule backup jobs. Backups can go to a cloud account, a desktop folder, CD/DVD/Blu-ray, email, or an off-site server through the built-in FTP client. The latest release adds SFTP transfer.
Shrink photos and MP3s
WinZip can reduce JPEG files by 20-25% with no loss of photo quality, and MP3 files by 15-20% on average.
Who it's for
It suits you if you regularly send or receive archives, need to protect sensitive files, or want one tool for backup and cloud file handling. If you only unzip an occasional file, a basic extractor may be enough. Teams can look at the Enterprise edition, which adds admin controls over cloud services, encryption and sharing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Supports a wide range of archive formats
- Strong AES encryption built into the zipping step
- Cloud, email and backup features in one program
- Free trial and a money back guarantee
Cons
- Windows 11 and 10 only, and 64-bit
- The best tools (SafeShare, Duplicate File Finder, PDF Express, Image Manager) need the Pro edition
- Single-user licenses need an active internet connection
- The feature set is large, so it can feel like more than you need for simple zipping
FAQs
Can WinZip open RAR and 7z files?
Yes. It opens Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7z, TAR, GZIP and many other formats.
What is the difference between Standard and Pro?
Pro adds apps such as SafeShare, Duplicate File Finder, PDF Express and Image Manager.
Can I try it first?
Yes, there is a 21-day free trial, and purchases carry a 30-day money back guarantee.
Does it need internet access?
Single-user licenses require an active internet connection.
System requirements
- OS: Windows 11 or Windows 10, 64-bit
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- Memory: 1 GB for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64-bit
- Disk space: 235 MB
- Other: .NET 4.6, DirectX 9 or later with WDDM 1.0 driver, 800 x 600 display