7-Zip Instructions

Compressing Files

Step 1: Right click on the file / folder to be compressed.

Step 2: Select “7-Zip” then “Add to archive…”

Step 3: In the Add to Archive window change the name of the compressed archive you wish to create.  Can click the button to the right and change the location it will create the compressed archive

Step 4: Change the Archive format to “Zip”.

Step 5: Click OK to create the compressed archive file.  It will show the progress window as it is working. 

Encrypting Files

Step 1: Right click on the file / folder to be encrypted.

Step 2: Select “7-Zip” then “Add to archive…”

Step 3: In the Add to Archive window change the name of the archive you wish to create.

Step 4: Change the Archive format to “Zip”.

Step 5: Change the Encryption Method to “AES-256”.
*It is strongly recommended to use AES-256 to protect sensitive and confidential data.

Step 6: Enter a Password. Use a strong password with at least 8 characters containing upper and lowercase letters, and a minimum of one number.

Step 7: Select “Ok” to create the encrypted archive file. The new archive file will be located in the same folder as the original.

Best security practices recommend that you do not email the password with the Zip file as it could be intercepted in transit. It is better to call the recipient of the Zip file and convey the password over the phone.