Windows 10: Why Can't I Add a Password to zip file??

I have been trying to figure out how to password-protect a zip file. I have Windows 11 Pro on new Surface Laptop 6 for Business. I have searched online, and I have used CoPilot. But the step-by-step instructions do NOT lead me to a place where I can add a password right click, properties, File Tab in Explorer no longer any sort of menu bar with that that I can find....., give it a password when asked yeah, right......Please Help!tx

:)

 

How set password already zip file

Unfortunately, Abdus passwords can only be created during the process of compressing the files. Any application doesn't have the option to create a password to an existing compressed folder (zip folder). I would suggest to unzip the files first and create
a new zip file using one of the 3rd party programs that I suggested and create a password during the process.

 

.zip can't be set to File Explorer

Hello Kathleen,

I understand your concern, and we in Community will try to help you in the best possible way we can.

I suggest you to follow the below steps and check if it helps.

• 
  Type Default programs
  in the search bar and press enter
  
• 
  Click on choose default programs by file type
  
• 
  Select .zip
  and select File Explorer
  

Also you can visit the below link Zip and unzip files.
(Steps applies to Windows 10).

Zip and unzip files - Microsoft Support

Hope this helps. Post us with status we will be glad to help you.

 

Unzipping password protected Zip files issue

Some more testing : extraction using standard Windows only works if the zip is created using ZipCrypto encryption method.





If you chose AES-256 then while 7-zip will open it, Windows built in extractor fails with this error :





A bit of googling indicates WinRAR uses AES encryption so I'd suggest using 7-zip to compress/password protect your zip using the ZipCrypto encryption method.