Peazip how to Use

Updated: June 4, 2026 · Full review · Alternatives · Archivers

PeaZip is a free archive manager for Windows supporting 188+ formats—meaning you can extract RAR, ZIP, 7z, and dozens of other compressed files without buying separate tools. Open the software, drag files into its window, and you're already halfway to what you need. The real power comes from knowing where the features live.

Getting Started with PeaZip

Download and Launch

First, grab the application from the official source. Once installed on your Windows 10, Windows 11, or any modern Windows desktop machine, launch it. The interface is clean: a file browser on the left, archive contents in the center, and action buttons across the top.

You'll see "Open," "Extract," "Create," and "Convert" as primary options. This layout matches what most free archive manager tools offer, though the breadth of format support here genuinely sets it apart.

Your First Extract

Looking for a way to extract files quickly? Drag a compressed archive into the window, select the files you want, then click "Extract." A dialog appears asking where to save them. That's the software at its simplest. For batch extraction—say, 20 ZIP files at once—use File > Batch > Extract and point it to a folder. The program will process them in sequence.

Compare this to Bandizip's simpler extraction interface, which feels faster for basic tasks but offers less control over output locations and naming conventions.

Creating and Compressing Archives

Build a New Archive

Click "Create" to start a new compressed file. Select your format (ZIP, 7z, TAR, or 188+ others). Drag files into the window, set a compression level if needed, then save. The 7z format compresses tighter than ZIP if file size matters—7-Zip handles 7z natively, but this application manages both equally well.

Converting Between Formats

This is where the software becomes genuinely useful beyond basics. Have an old RAR file you want as ZIP? Click "Convert," pick the source and target format, and it rebuilds the archive. No extraction-to-folder-then-recompressing needed. This saves hours if you're dealing with legacy archives.

Encryption and Security

Add Password Protection

Open an archive you're creating, and before saving, click the "Encryption" option. Choose AES-256 (strong) or AES (compatible with more tools). Set your password. This works on ZIP, 7z, and other formats—handy for sensitive files heading into cloud storage or email.

Pro Tip: If you're encrypting a 7z archive, use the "Create solid archive" option in advanced settings. It treats all files as one block, making extraction slightly slower but compression significantly better and encryption more secure.

Format Support and Compatibility

The program handles ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, ISO, CAB, and 180+ more formats. That's substantially broader than ExtractNow's multi-file extraction, which focuses on batch extraction rather than creation or conversion. If you work with mixed archive types across different projects, this breadth matters.

Advanced: Portable and Open Source Options

The PeaZip portable version runs from a USB drive without installation—useful for IT support or moving between machines. It's open source, so the code is transparent; security researchers have audited it, which counts for anything handling encrypted files.

Why This Matters

Using this archive manager boils down to: open, drag, extract, compress, or convert. No bloat. No ads. No subscriptions. For Windows users juggling multiple archive formats or needing encryption without complexity, this free archive manager replaces a half-dozen paid tools. Start with extraction, then explore compression and format conversion once you're comfortable navigating the menus.