How to open .7z files in Windows 11 (2024)

There comes a time when you might come across a .7z file in Windows 11. This is a compressed archive format file that is different from a traditional zip file, designed to make it easier to share large files on the internet. This type of file used to be unusable on Windows without a third party application called 7-Zip.

Luckily, if you're opening this file on the latest version of Windows 11, you can open it just like you might a normal zip file. But, if you prefer, you can still use the third-party software 7-Zip to open it.

How to open .7z files in Windows 11

Updating Windows 11

Last year, Microsoft started beta testing their OS's ability to open .7z files in Windows 11 without the use of third-party apps. The feature rolled out in September 2023 for the Windows 11 23H2 update, and now the new feature is a full-fledged part of the OS. Before you can use this feature though, you will have to make sure that your PC is up-to-date with the latest version of Windows.

1. In the Windows 11 Settings menu, open the Windows Update tab.
2. Click on the Check for updates button. If any updates appear after the scan, Download and install them.

   

   

How to open .7z files in Windows 11

After your system has been updated, make sure to restart your computers for all the changes to take effect. When you turn your PC back on, then you should be able to open a .7z file as easily as a normal zip file. Follow the steps below to open a .7z file in Windows 11.

1. Open File explorer or My Computer.
2. Open the tab where your .7z file is located. Usually it is in Downloads.

   

   

3. Now you should be able to open the .7z file as you would a normal file.
4. After you have opened the .7z file you'll want to extract the files to a new folder so that you can use them normally.

   

   

   See Also

   e (Extract) command

How to open .7z files in Windows 11 with a third-party program

If you want to open a .7z file in Windows 11, the easiest thing to do is to simply open it by using a third-party application. Our personal favorite to use is 7-Zip, but there are other options like WinRAR and WinZip that you can consider, but keep in mind those apps only offer free trials.

1. Download the latest version of 7-Zip.
2. Run the installer by following the steps on your screen.

   

   

3. Once the app is installed, launch it.
4. Click the folder icon at the top left of your screen under the Add button.

   

   

5. Navigate to where your downloaded .7z file is. You can usually find it by clicking My Computer > Downloads.
6. Click on the .7z file, and choose Extract.
7. In the window that pops up, choose the three-dot arrows and choose where you want the file to be extracted to, then click OK.

   

   

Be careful when downloading unknown files online!

That's pretty much all there is to know about opening .7z files in Windows 11. 7-Zip and the native Windows 11 extractor are good ways to go. But we do have a warning: you'll want to be wary of other apps that claim to extract .7z files. If you're not careful, your great laptop or PC could end up getting infected with malware. Stick to known and reliable programs only - don't risk damaging your computer!