7Z file is a compressed archive file format which contains one or more files, and even folders. The files and folders are bundled together as a single file for convenience in storing and downloading. With the application of different compression methods, the size of 7Z file is much smaller than the total size of the files it contains.

7Z files can be opened with 7-Zip software. The software's ability to shrink files is stunning. 7z archives are up to 40 percent smaller than their ZIP equivalents, although compression does take longer, and the highest compression settings can hog system resources. Advanced options include the ability to create solid and self-extracting archives, and to adjust the compression level and password protection. 7-Zip software also has a command line module. Though the main interface is overly simple and looks like it is designed for Windows 95, it's not hard to use and fairly self-explanatory.

7-Zip is fine for casual users with a bit of computer savvy, but it's especially well-suited for developers and anyone else who moves between the Windows and Linux/Unix worlds.

To open or create .7z files, you will need to download 7-Zip software first.

The main features of 7-Zip

7z files are archive files generated with the 7-Zip software, and you can indeed open these files in Windows.

Get the 7-Zip software

You will need to download and install the 7-Zip software in order to work with .7z files.

Create a .7z file

Once the 7-Zip software is installed, it will add a helpful new option to your Windows context menu.

Right-click on the file with which you want to create a 7-Zip file. The right-click context menu will appear. Click “7-Zip”.

Choose "Add to archive...", "Add to 'Newfolder.7z'",or "Add to Newfolder.zip". Any of the choices can help you create a 7-Zip file.

If you want to email the file after compressing it, you can also choose "Compress and email", "Compress to 'Newfolder.7z' and email", or "Compress to 'Newfolder.zip' and email" in the context menu to finish it. All of them can help you achieve the purpose.

.7z files are archive files generated with the 7-Zip software, and you can indeed open .7z files in Windows.

Get the 7-Zip software

You will need to download and install the 7-Zip software in order to work with .7z files. You may use the 32-bit .exe file, but if you know that you have a 64-bit system, be sure to download the appropriate .msi installer.

Open a .7z file

Once the 7-Zip software is installed, it will add a helpful new option to your Windows context menu.

Right-click on a .7z file. The right-click context menu will appear. Click “7-Zip”. Choose one of the options for extracting the file.

Choose “Extract Here” to put the .7z archive’s contents in the same location as the original file on the desktop, but you can also choose to extract it to a folder with the same name as the archive, or pick “Extract files…” for more options.