How to open a .7z file
Quick, free ways to open 7Z on any system.
A .7z file is a 7-Zip Archive. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads 7Z yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .7z file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .7z. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with 7-Zip or PeaZip.
- On Mac, use Keka or The Unarchiver.
- On Linux, try p7zip or Archive Manager.
- Still stuck? Convert the .7z to ZIP, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .7z files
Windows
- 7-Zip
- PeaZip
- WinRAR
macOS
- Keka
- The Unarchiver
Linux
- p7zip
- Archive Manager
Web
- Not natively; extract locally
!
Before you open it: The archive is safe. Scan the files inside before running them.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .7z file?
Almost always because no installed app understands 7Z. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Is 7z better than ZIP?
7z usually compresses smaller and supports stronger encryption, but ZIP opens everywhere without extra software. Use 7z for size, ZIP for compatibility.
How do I open a 7z file on a Mac?
Install the free Keka or The Unarchiver, then double-click the .7z to extract it. macOS cannot open 7z on its own, but either tool handles it without needing 7-Zip.