A 7z file extension is a compressed set of files created using the 7zip tool. This utility is used when transferring data that come in large amounts. This is very similar to creating a zip file, albeit you use a different program. The 7zip compression tool is also used for conversion and encryption of files. This is widely available in the Windows operating system. Being an open source program, you can open 7zip files using other methods.

To open a 7z file, download the 7zip program from its main website. Installation would take a few minutes. The website might offer complimentary programs when you install 7zip. As much as possible, don't download them so as not to clutter your hard drive. You only need 7zip to uncover the files. Also, make sure that your antivirus is on its maximum mode so that it can detect any possible virus that try to infiltrate your system.

Save the downloaded program on the C drive. Click Finish to complete the download process. Right click the 7z file extension that you want opened and go to Open With and select Default Program. Go to Browse so that you can locate the specific files that you intend to open. Double click the exact folder and click on the 7zFM exe command. This allows all your 7z files to be linked with the program. You can now open and close any 7z file while on that window. To convert the file to a normal Windows file, click Extract at the top portion and select a drive where you will save it.

Among the capabilities of the 7zip program are Unicode support, ability to store up files containing millions of gigabytes, and AES encryption. 7zip is convenient to use, but you can also open the files using normal programs such as ZipGenius, WinRAR, WinZip, and Corel. The main concept of the 7zip program is compressing the files so you can transmit them easily and without taking too much space on your hard disk. When you want to remove it, make sure to remove other attachments that may have been downloaded along with 7zip