Getting 7zip to open your zipped or RAR files automatically on Windows 11 isn’t a huge hassle, but sometimes it feels like one. You set it up, only to find Windows still insists on using other apps as the default. Usually, you jump into the default apps section to fix it, but that can be a bit hit-and-miss. Here’s a pretty straightforward rundown of what actually works, with a few handy tips because Windows can be a bit stubborn about file associations.
How to Make 7Zip Default on Windows 11
If you’ve already got 7zip installed (from https://www.7-zip.org/—no dodgy sites, mate), good on ya. If not, just grab the latest version, run the installer, and follow the prompts. Nothing fancy. Once it’s all set up, here’s what to do next.
Step 1: Right-click a compressed file — like a .zip or .rar
This is the easiest way to nudge Windows into associating that file type with 7zip. When you right-click, select Open with > Choose another app.
If you don’t see 7zip straight away, click More apps. Still not there? Hit Look for another app on this PC, then browse to C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7zFM.exe (or wherever you installed it). Once you find it, tick Always use this app to open .zip files.
Do this for all the formats you work with — .zip, .rar, .7z, whatever. It might take a couple of goes, especially if your Windows is being temperamental, but it usually does the trick after a reboot or two.
Step 2: Change defaults through Settings
If the right-click method is a bit flaky, go into: Settings > Apps > Default apps. Find the file extensions you want (like .zip, .rar, .7z), click on each, and pick 7zip from the list. Sometimes, 7zip isn’t listed outright—that’s normal. Windows can be a bit funny about registering new defaults.
Heads up: Some Windows 11 versions might behave a bit differently, so this step isn’t always seamless. You might need to restart your PC, or in rare cases, use a third-party tool to tweak defaults (like a registry editor), but that’s for the tech-savvy.
Step 3: Use the command prompt (last resort)
If all else fails, you can try setting the defaults via PowerShell or Command Prompt. Run PowerShell as an administrator and input commands like:
ftype archivefile="C:\Program Files\7-Zip\7zFM.exe" "%1"
assoc .zip=archivefileThis fiddles with file associations at a deeper level. Not quite as user-friendly, but sometimes it’s the only way to get Windows to listen.
Honestly, on some setups, default app settings get all tangled up. Sometimes a quick reboot, reinstallation, or a bit of patience is all you need. Windows can be strange that way.
Tips for Setting 7zip as Default on Windows 11
- Keep 7zip updated—older versions can cause headaches with system integration.
- Check out the right-click menu—right-click an archive and see options like Extract Here or Open archive. Using these to set defaults can help Windows recognise your app better.
- If file associations are a pain, try running the Microsoft Default Apps Troubleshooter or resetting the default apps to start fresh.
- If you’re comfortable with registry tweaks, you can adjust defaults directly, but back up your registry first, yeah?
FAQs
What’s the point of setting 7zip as the default?
It just saves a couple of right-clicks every time you open an archive. Instead of choosing “Open with” each time, it’ll open straight away. Perfect if you deal with archives all day or just hate faffing about.
Why does Windows make default apps such a pain?
Honestly, Windows likes to keep defaults locked down, especially after updates or with certain file types like archives. It can be frustrating, but that’s just how it rolls sometimes.
Got any quick tips if nothing works?
On one box, I uninstalled 7zip, ran the installer as admin, and then set the defaults again. Worked a treat. If you’re really stuck, you can clear the default app cache in the registry—just make sure to back up first before digging into registry edits.
Summary
- Right-click an archive, pick Open with > Choose another app.
- Pick 7zip, tick Always use this app.
- Or go to Settings > Apps > Default apps and assign the file types manually.
- If Windows is being stubborn, a reboot might do the trick.
- And if all else fails, use the command line to sort it out.
Hopefully, this saves you a few headaches. Windows can be a pain about file associations, but with a bit of patience, you’ll have 7zip as your default in no time. Good luck, and keep at it—eventually, Windows gives in!