Forum Discussion
How Can I Add Password to Zip File in Windows 10?
Adding password to Zip file on Windows 10 can definitely give you an extra layer of protection, but there are some downsides you should keep in mind.
First off, if you forget that password, you're basically locked out of your own files. There’s no dedicated “forgot my password” option with ZIP files—you're just kind of stuck. Trust me, it’s super frustrating when you’ve forgotten what you set as your password and you can’t get to your important stuff.
Another thing is compatibility. Not all ZIP utilities can handle encrypted files the same way. So if you send your password-protected ZIP file to someone and they’re using a different program, they might have trouble accessing it. You could end up making it harder for others to open those files, which is kind of the opposite of what you want.
Then there's the security level. While adding password to Zip file definitely offers some protection, it's not super strong against determined attackers. If someone really wants those files, they might have tools to break into your ZIP file pretty easily.
And honestly, using passwords can be a hassle. You have to remember one more thing, and sometimes entering it wrong when unzipping just adds to the annoyance. Like, you’re trying to get your files and then suddenly you have to play the “guess the password” game—ugh!