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An Easy Way to Open Your 7z Files: How to Repair Them?

Eleanor Reed
Eleanor Reed Originally published Jun 06, 23, updated Mar 21, 24

This brief consists of a detailed discussion on how to open 7z files on Windows or Mac computers. It also presents an incredible utility for repairing your corrupted or damaged ZIP files.

open 7z files on windows and mac os

If your work requires regular sharing of files between different devices, you must have heard of archived files. Apparently, they seem to be a single file but carry multiple files inside them. Archived files are created by compressing multiple files at the same location. This way, the overall data size gets reduced.

A 7z file is also an archived file that works pretty similar to a ZIP file format. One thing that makes 7z files stand out is their support for big file sizes and superior compression. A 7z file is not as popular as a ZIP file; therefore, not many people are aware of this file format. This is why people usually look for additional help to learn how to open 7z files.

If you are searching for a 7z file opener to open these files on your Windows or Mac, the discussion below has got you covered.

In this article

How to Open a 7z File on Windows Operating System?

Do you use a Windows computer for daily tasks? Your system must have native support for ZIP file format. But you won’t be able to open 7z files on your computer. Still, there is nothing to be worried about.

All you need to do is to download and install the 7z file opener - 7-Zip - on your system. The best thing associated with this application is that it is absolutely free to use and is open-source, which means you can use it by taking online help at any time.

As soon as you install a 7-Zip app on your device, right-click on a 7z file you want to open, and place your cursor on the “7-Zip” option, as shown below. If you are using the latest version of Windows (i.e., Windows 11), don’t forget to choose the “Show more options” option to find “7-Zip.” Now, you will see a long list of options, including but not limited to “Open archive,” “Extract files,” and “Extract Here.”

open 7z files on windows computer

When to Select “Open Archive”?

The first option - Open archive - enables you to access 7z file data by using a 7-Zip File Manager. With this option, you can access the whole content and extract the selected one. For this, you have to select the “Extract” option. The use of 7-Zip File Manager also allows you to remove any item from the 7z file by tapping on the “Delete” option.

You can also go to the “Start” menu of your computer to launch the 7-Zip File Manager. Once you open it, choose “File” and then tap on “Open.” Doing this will allow you to load a 7z file into this program and get access to the whole content.

When to Choose the “Extract Files” Option?

Different users prefer storing data on different occasions. If you want to choose a specific path, directory, or folder to extract the data inside a 7z file, you should hit the “Extract files” option to achieve your goal.

When to Select the “Extract Here” Option?

If you are looking forward to extracting entire data on the same location as the 7z file, choosing the “Extract Here” option will help you get this task done instantly.

If you want your 7z files always opened with the 7-Zip File Manager, follow the steps listed below.

  1. Right-click on your 7z file and choose the “Open with” option.
  2. Now, choose “7-Zip File Manager.”
  3. Check the “Always use this app to open .7z files” box.
  4. Click on the “OK” button.
open 7z files with the 7-zip file manager

Now that you know how to open 7z files on Windows, let’s move toward opening the same file on a Mac operating system.

How to Open a 7z File on Mac Computer?

If you want to access content from a 7z file on the latest versions of Mac computers, like Monterey, Big Sur, or Catalina, try using the pre-built “Archie Utility.” Control-click on your 7z file, move your cursor on the “Open With” option, and choose “Archive Utility (default).” It will allow you to open your 7z files on Mac.

open 7z files on a mac computer

Launching Archive Utility with Spotlight Search is also possible. For this, you need to tap on the “File Menu” menu and select “Open Archive.” Doing this will make 7z files accessible for you.

If the above method does not work for you, don’t be concerned. Just go to the App Store and download “The Unarchiver.” This application offers great support for accessing 7z files and is fully free to use. With its easy-to-use and appealing user interface, you can delete archived files once you extract them.

Do you prefer previewing 7z files to ensure they have the data you are looking for? If yes, there is nothing better than using BetterZip. With this program, creating 7z archives becomes super easy on Mac. A free trial lends you a helping hand when it comes to testing its basic features for free.

You can open the BetterZip application to open your 7z files. Alternatively, you can control-click on a 7z file, select “BetterZip,” and tap on the “Open in BetterZip” option. As soon as you enter into this application, you get the option to delete or extract the selected items.

open 7z files on mac with betterzip

Is Your ZIP File Corrupted? Not a Problem! Try Repairit

Now you are well familiar with how to open a 7z file on Windows and Mac. There may be some circumstances when your ZIP files may become corrupted or damaged. It happens due to numerous reasons, like malware infections, system overheating problems, improper shutdowns, bad sectors on the hard drive, and the list continues.

If you are unable to open your ZIP file just because it is corrupted, try Wondershare Repairit File Repair. It is a super amazing utility that repairs your damaged 7z files within a few minutes and makes them accessible to you. Let’s look at how you can repair your 7z files using Repairit File Repair. First you need to download this program on your PC.

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Free Download

How to Fix a Corrupted ZIP File with Wondershare Repairit?

Here is a list of the steps you need to follow when repairing your ZIP files with this tool.

Step 1: Open Wondershare Repairit on your computer.

Step 2: Go to the “File Repair” option from the left side. Then, hit the “+Add” button to load your corrupted ZIP file into this program.

repair zip files with wondershare repairit

Step 3: Once your corrupted ZIP file is loaded into Repairit, tap on the “Repair” button to start the file repair process. Now, wait until the whole process gets completed.

ZIP file repair with wondershare repairit

Step 4: Once your corrupted ZIP file is repaired, you can open it with a 7z opener on Windows and Mac. Choose a specific path on your device to save the repaired ZIP file.

This is how within four easy steps; you can repair your damaged or corrupted ZIP files with a bang with Wondershare Repairit File Repair.

Note: Repairit File Repair provides you with a free trial to ensure that it is worthy enough to use. If you like the way it works, you can purchase the premium plan for as low as $29.99. You can use this software on both Mac operating systems and Windows computers.

Final Words

The 7z file format is not a popular file format which is why people often find it difficult to open these files on their computers. If you are trying to open a 7z file on Windows, try using the 7-Zip application - a 7z file opener. With this app, you can extract 7z file content at the location of your choice. To open a 7z file on Mac, using Archive Utility is the best default option.

Don’t worry if you are not able to access your ZIP files because they are damaged or corrupted, as Wondershare Repairit File Repair is known for repairing files fastly and securely at the same time. The availability of the free trial convinces millions of people to trust this file repair tool. If you want to buy its premium plan, it comes with 24/7 tech support and a 7-day satisfaction guarantee. In addition, this software ensures 100% virus-free ZIP file repair.

Eleanor Reed
Eleanor Reed Mar 21, 24
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Eleanor Reed
Written by Eleanor Reed
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