7-Zip is free software with open source. The most of the code is under the GNU LGPL license. Some parts of the code are under the BSD 3-clause License. Also there is unRAR license restriction for some parts of the code. Read 7-Zip License information.

You can use 7-Zip on any computer, including a computer in a commercial organization. You don’t need to register or pay for 7-Zip.

Key Features and System Requirements of 7-Zip

Introduction

7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver renowned for its high compression ratio and support for various file formats. Lightweight yet powerful, 7Zip is the go-to tool for compressing, extracting, and managing files efficiently. Whether for personal or professional use, 7-Zip is a must-have utility for handling archives.


Key Features of 7-Zip

  1. High Compression Ratio:
    1. Uses advanced compression algorithms to achieve better file size reduction, especially with its native 7z format.
  2. Wide Format Support:
    1. Compresses and extracts popular formats like ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZ, and its proprietary 7z.
  3. Strong Encryption:
    1. Supports AES-256 encryption for secure file protection.
  4. File Splitting and Merging:
    1. Allows users to split large files into smaller parts and merge them seamlessly.
  5. Command Line Support:
    1. Includes a powerful CLI for automating archiving tasks.
  6. Integration with Windows Shell:
    1. Provides context menu options for quick compression and extraction tasks.
  7. Multi-Core CPU Optimization:
    1. Leverages multi-threading for faster compression and extraction.
  8. Lightweight and Fast:
    1. Minimal resource usage ensures smooth operation even on older systems.
  9. Open Source:
    1. Free to use and modify under the GNU LGPL license.

System Requirements

For Windows

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or later
  • Processor: 1 GHz or faster
  • RAM: Minimum 512 MB; 1 GB or more recommended
  • Disk Space: At least 10 MB for installation
  • Display: Any modern display resolution
  • Network: Not required for offline use

For macOS (via third-party tools like Keka)

  • Operating System: macOS 10.12 or later
  • Processor: Intel or Apple Silicon processor
  • RAM: Minimum 512 MB; 1 GB or more recommended
  • Disk Space: At least 10 MB for installation
  • Network: Not required for offline use

For Linux

  • Operating System: Recent distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora, or Debian
  • Processor: Modern x86 or x86_64 processor
  • RAM: Minimum 512 MB; 1 GB or more recommended
  • Disk Space: At least 10