7 Zip

7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that lets you create and extract compressed archives without paying for a license. Built by Igor Pavlov and first released in 1999, it uses its own high-ratio 7z format while also reading and writing ZIP, RAR, TAR, GZIP, and several other common archive types.

Beyond simple extraction, 7-Zip ships with its own file manager and toolbar for everyday archive tasks: creating new archives, testing existing ones for errors, and copying, moving, or deleting files without leaving the app. Unlike Windows Explorer, the file manager shows hidden files by default and displays useful metadata - name, modification date, original and compressed size, attributes, and comments - right in its column view.

Because it's open source and actively maintained, 7-Zip has become the default archive tool for many Windows users who need reliable compression without bundled toolbars or trial limitations. If you regularly download ZIP or RAR files and want a fast, no-cost way to open and compress them, 7-Zip covers the essentials without any bloat.