While 7-Zip may sound like a good name for a PC virus, it's actually a legitimate utility that compresses and decompresses files. It also comes with a built-in file manager that helps you manage those files. If you share a computer, such as for business purposes, someone else may have installed 7-Zip without telling you. An IT person may also have installed the program on your computer. While it doesn't hurt to leave the app on your computer, you can delete 7-Zip quickly if you think you don't need it.
7z Virus Concerns
The 7-Zip utility won't harm your computer or steal information. To protect your computer from real viruses, install an anti-virus program and keep it running at all times. Real viruses may arrive in email messages, hide in files you download and infect your computer when you visit dangerous websites. Microsoft Windows comes with Windows Defender, a free malware protection program that guards your PC against malicious software attacks, but it's not an anti-virus program.
If you see the 7-Zip program on your Windows computer, it may be listed as 7z.exe. The 7z exe will not harm your computer.
It is possible that an executable file or other file inside of a 7-Zip archive could be a virus, so as with any file, you should only open 7-Zip archive files sent by someone you trust.
When to Use 7-Zip
One reason to use 7-Zip is because it's a free open-source program that runs on any computer. You don't have to register 7-Zip to use it and the app integrates with the Windows shell, thanks to its creator Igor Pavlov. That means when you right-click a zip file, you'll see a menu option that enables you to unzip the file using 7-Zip. You can also use 7-Zip to create compressed zip files that you can share with others or store on your hard drive when you wish to archive information.
The program uses a file format known as 7z that can compress files more efficiently than some other compression utilities. This can help you save on Internet transmission times when you upload and download these files, reduce your data charges and save you space on your hard drive and other storage devices.
One downside of 7-Zip is that not as many people have it installed as have software to support traditional zip files, which are automatically supported by most modern operating systems. If you send someone a 7Z file, you may have to explain what it is, how to open it and even verify that it's not a virus or something else nefarious.
Uninstalling 7-Zip from Your Computer
If you'd like to remove 7-Zip, press your "Windows" key to open the Start screen. You can then right-click the 7-Zip icon and then click "Uninstall" to view the Programs and Features window. This window displays your installed programs and highlights 7-Zip, the app you right-clicked. When you click the window's "Uninstall/Change" button, Windows removes 7-Zip from your computer. Before clicking that button, ensure that 7-Zip is highlighted; you don't want to uninstall the wrong application. You don't have to reboot your computer after removing 7-Zip.
Alternative Compression Methods
You'll often be more productive if you use a zip program because many apps that you download are in zip format. People may also send you compressed files containing documents, images and even large databases. Other programs that help you compress and decompress files include WinZip and JZip. You can also extract everything from a compressed folder using Windows File Explorer. To do that select a compressed folder, click "Compressed Folder Tools" and then click "Extract All." When you’d like to zip a file, select it in the Windows File Explorer and click “Zip.”
Other operating systems, including Apple macOS and various Linux distributions, also include built-in support for the traditional Zip format.
FAQs
Uninstalling 7-Zip from Your Computer
Can you get viruses from 7-Zip? ›
It is safe. that result is a false positive.
Can 7-Zip be trusted? ›
7-zip is generally considered safe to use. It has been widely used for many years, and its source code has been reviewed by security experts due to its open-source nature. However, like any software, it's important to download it from trusted sources and keep it up to date to minimize any potential security risks.
How to remove 7-Zip permanently? ›
Method 2: Uninstall 7-Zip File Manager via Apps and Features/Programs and Features. Look for 7-Zip File Manager in the list and click on it. The next step is to click on uninstall, so you can initiate the uninstallation.
Is 7-Zip a security risk? ›
Both 7-Zip and WinRAR have an expansive number of malicious opportunities. Two options allow attackers to set a password on the archive or delete files after archiving. These two weaponization strategies make both applications fully functional Ransomware Encryptors.
Is 7-Zip safe to uninstall? ›
If you share a computer, such as for business purposes, someone else may have installed 7-Zip without telling you. An IT person may also have installed the program on your computer. While it doesn't hurt to leave the app on your computer, you can delete 7-Zip quickly if you think you don't need it.
How do you check if a Zip is a virus? ›
You can do this by right-clicking on the zip file and selecting "Extract Here," or by using file archiving software such as WinZip. Right-click on the folder containing the extracted files and select "Scan with [name of your antivirus software]" from the context menu.
What are the disadvantages of 7-Zip? ›
Cons: While 7-Zip is highly effective, its user interface could be more intuitive for first-time users. Some may find the interface slightly dated and less user-friendly compared to other archiving tools.
What is 7-Zip on my computer? ›
7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver, a utility used to place groups of files within compressed containers known as "archives".
Should I trust Zip? ›
Zip's mobile app pages are another good resource for reading Zip reviews. In the Apple app store, Zip is rated 4.9 out of five stars, with over 500,000 ratings. In the Google Play app store, Zip is rated 4.8 out of five stars, with over 60,000 reviews.
7-zip. dll won't delete even if you properly uninstalled the software, which is frustrating. The DLL file refuses to be deleted because File Explorer or another process still uses it. Restarting your PC or using a DLL fixer may bring this problem to an end.
Is 7-Zip free forever? ›
Yes, 7-Zip is free software.
How do I remove zip? ›
Press Shift and Delete on your keyboard at the same time. Right-click the Zip file, and select Move to Trash. Right-click the Zip in Trash, and select Delete Immediately.
Does 7-Zip have viruses? ›
7-Zip is software of good reputation and doesn't contain any malware.
Is 7-Zip safe to install? ›
Final Words about “Is 7zip Safe”
Although 7-Zip is safe, you should install one anti-virus program on your computer to avoid virus attacks in the future.
Does 7-Zip cost money? ›
7-Zip is free software with open source.
Can you get a virus from just extracting a Zip? ›
Zip files are not dangerous. However, it is essential to take caution when opening files you have imported from unknown sources or the files you have downloaded from the internet. Some may contain a virus, zip bombs, Trojans, or other malware.
Are zip files a security risk? ›
Left undetected, these unsafe archives can remain dormant in file storage for extended periods of time before trusted users unwittingly open and activate their contents. Further, even without using malicious code, threat actors can weaponize . ZIP files by filling them with immense quantities of data.
Can zip files have viruses on Iphone? ›
Can opening a zip file give you a virus? Yes. So you need to trust your source.
