Click the Add (+) button at the top.

Windows 11 has built-in ZIP support, but it lacks password protection . If you need to encrypt sensitive files with a password, the free, open-source tool 7-Zip is the best solution.

Your password-protected ZIP file will be created in the same location. ⚠️ There is no password recovery. If you forget the password, your data is gone forever. Method 2: Using the 7-Zip File Manager (More Control) Step 1: Open the 7-Zip File Manager from the Start menu.

Always use AES-256 encryption, choose strong passwords, and keep a backup of your password in a secure password manager. 7-Zip is completely free and open-source. No ads, no spyware, no premium upsells.

Right-click on the file or folder you want to protect.

Navigate to the files/folders you want to compress. Select them.

Download and install 7-Zip (choose the 64-bit version for Windows 11).