1. With 7-Zip Open, select the file(s) and/or folder(s) you wish to encrypt.


Encrypt 7Zip 1

  1. Right click on the selected file(s) and/or folder(s) and click 7-Zip, and from the side tab click Add to archive.


Encrypt 7Zip 2

  1. In the "Archive" field, enter the name of the file or archive you want created.


Encrypt 7Zip 3

  1. From the "Archive format" field, select zip.


Encrypt 7Zip 3a

  1. Under the "Encryption" section, enter a strong password or passphrase in the "Enter passphrase" field and again in the "Reenter passphrase" field.


Encrypt 7Zip 3b

 

  1.  Ensure the "Encryption method" is AES-256.  Once finished, click OK.


Encrypt 7Zip 3c

 

  1. A file with a .zip extension has now been created.  The passphrase is now required to open and decrypt the archive.  Note that the files and folders selected in step one has been copied into the archive and the original files remain as they are and are not encrypted.