File Extension Database

Open 7Z File

7Z file extension is used by 7-Zip files. These files contain archives or one or several other files that are compressed to conserve disk space. These stored files may also be pre-processed or encrypted.

You can open 7Z file with 7-Zip software or with any other popular unarchiver.

7Z files may employ one of the following compression algorithms:

DEFLATE is one of the most basic and widespread algorithms out there
PPMD is an improved version of PPM algorithm orignally developed in 1984
Bzip2 - Burrows-Wheeler algorithm that also employs Huffman coding. It is one of the most powerful compression algorithms to date
LZMA is a modified version of LZ77 (similar to DEFALTE) which employs entropy coding by Markov chains and Patricia trees

7-Zip may preprocess 32-bit x86 executable files with either BCJ or BCJ2 to achieve greater compression ratios.

7-Zip supports data encryption by 256-bit AES algorithm. The encryption key is also strengthened by applying SHA-256 hashing 262,144 times on the password. This makes all attempts to brute-force to the pass-phrase impossible on any modern hardware (as well as any hypothetical hardware that can be developed in the nearest future).

Typical 7Z application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\WinRAR\WinRAR.exe "%1"
"C:\Program Files\WinRAR\WinRAR.exe" "%1"

Frequently used application names to open 7Z files:

WinRAR

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WinRAR

How Can I Open 7Z File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open 7Z file is to find a 7Z file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a 7Z file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open 7Z file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as 7Z file opener then try to search online for "7Z viewer", "application to open 7Z file" or "open 7Z file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open 7Z file

How Can I Open 7Z File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a 7Z file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a 7Z file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with 7Z file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as 7Z file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open 7Z file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open 7Z file then try to search for "7Z viewer", "application to open 7Z file" or "read 7Z file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read 7Z file

How Can I Open 7Z File on Android

If you downloaded a 7Z file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded 7Z file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "7Z".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "7Z viewer", "7Z file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open 7Z File on iPhone or iPad

To open 7Z File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the 7Z file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "7Z". This way you can find apps which can open 7Z files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "7Z viewer" or "7Z file" online in your favorite search engine.