6 Easy Ways to Open 7z Files: WinZip, 7-Zip, and More (2024)

Written byKyle Smith

Last Updated: June 12, 2023Fact Checked

Things You Should Know

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1. 1

   Download the 7-Zip installer from https://www.7-zip.org. Because 7z files are compressed archives, you can’t view their contents until the files are extracted with an unzipping program. 7-Zip can extract the contents of 7z archives at no cost to Windows users.

   • To download 7-Zip, click the Download link next to the version that matches your Windows PC's architecture (e.g., 32-bit or 64-bit). If you're not sure which version to choose:
     • Press ⊞ Win+S to launch search
     • Type “system” and click “System” in the search results
     • Look next to “System Type”.^[1]
   • 7-Zip is also great for highly compressing files.
2. 2

   Double-click the 7-Zip .exe and follow the on-screen instructions. This will walk you through the 7-Zip installation.

   • When the installation is complete, click Finish.

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3. 3

   Double-click the 7z file you want to open. The contents of the archive will display in the 7-Zip window.

4. 4

   Click Extract. It's the blue minus sign in the toolbar.

5. 5

   Click the … button to choose a folder to store the files. The folder you select is where the files inside of the 7z archive will be extracted.

   • The default selection is a new folder in the current directory, named after the 7z file.
   • For example, if the file is called Blue.7z and located on the desktop, the default new folder will be created on the desktop with the name “Blue”.
6. 6

   Click “OK” to extract the files to the folder. You’ll see a progress bar for the duration of the extraction process. When the files are extracted, the progress bar will disappear. At that point, you can double-click the new folder to access the files.

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1. 1

   Right-click the 7z file. Archive Utility is Mac’s built-in archive file app. It can compress files and unzip 7z folders just like ZIP files.

2. 2

   Select Open With on the menu. A list of menu options will appear.

3. 3

   Select Archive Utility. This option is in the file’s right-click menu. This extracts the folder from the 7z file to the current location.

   • You can now double-click the new folder to view the 7z file’s contents.

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1. 1

   Install iZip from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Play Store (Android). iZip is recommended across the web for being able to extract 7z files on Android, iPhone, and iPad.^[2]

   • If you need help installing apps on your phone or tablet, check out our handy guide.
2. 2

   Tap the iZip icon to launch the app. Once iZip is installed, you'll find it in your app list.

3. 3

   Tap Files to locate the 7z file.^[3] If the 7z file is in the cloud, choose “iCloud Drive” or “Google Drive” instead.

4. 4

   Long-press the name of the 7z file. Hold your finger down on the file until you see a box that says “Would you like to unzip all files?”

5. 5

   Tap OK. The contents of the 7z file will be extracted to a folder of the same name.

   • When the progress bar disappears, you can open the files by tapping them right inside of iZip, or by navigating to the folder which contains them.

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1. 1

   Open the Files app. It’s the light blue folder on a darker blue background.

2. 2

   Locate and double-click the 7z file. This will show you the files inside of the 7z file.

3. 3

   Right-click the file you want to extract. This will open a right-click options menu.

4. 4

   Click Copy. This will copy the file to your clipboard.

5. 5

   Go to a location outside of the 7z file. This is where you’ll paste the copied file.

6. 6

   Right-click anywhere in the new location. This will open an options menu.

7. 7

   Select Paste. This will paste a copy of the file into the new location. Repeat this process for the remaining files in the 7z folder to fully extract its contents.

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1. 1

   Download WinZip from https://www.winzip.com. WinZip is a premium program (with a free trial) that makes it easy to open 7z files on your PC or Mac. To download a trial, click the TRY IT FREE button to download the installer.

2. 2

   Double-click the WinZip installer and follow the instructions. This will walk you through the installation process.

3. 3

   Double-click the 7z file. This opens the contents of the file in WinZip.

   • If prompted to choose an application, select WinZip.
   • If the 7z file opens in a different application, right-click the 7z file instead and select Open with > WinZip.
4. 4

   Click Unzip to. You'll see this on the right side of the screen.^[4]

5. 5

   Choose a location. The location you select is where the extracted files and folders from the 7z file will appear once unpacked.

6. 6

   Click Unzip. This extracts all files and folders from the 7z file to the selected location.

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1. 1

   Install Unarchiver from the App Store. You can use this handy free app to unpack all sorts of compressed files, including 7z files.

   • Once you've opened the App Store, search for "unarchiver" and then click GET.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to install.
   • Mac's built-in Archive Utility can also open 7z files. If you'd rather not install software, you can use that feature instead.
2. 2

   Select the 7z file in finder. Just click the file once to select it.

3. 3

   Click the File menu and select Get Info. A window will expand.

4. 4

   Select The Unarchiver next to "Open With." This tells your Mac to use Unarchiver to extract 7z files in the future.^[5]

5. 5

   Click Change all. Now that Unarchiver is associated with 7z files, all you'll need to do to extract them is double-click the file.

6. 6

   Double-click the 7z file to extract it. This extracts the file's contents to the current directory.

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