How to Unzip Password Protected ZIP File in Windows 10/8/7

As the most popular file extension in the world, ZIP files come with a lot of ups and downs. As mentioned before, it is the most used file extension, so, almost all the files you download from the internet are ZIP files, they also reduce the file size significantly, so, people like to use them as well.

It also comes with a security measure. You can use a password to keep the file locked so that it can’t be opened by anyone other than yourself. But mishap happens, and without the password, it will be impossible for you to unzip password protected ZIP file if you don’t know the right methods. So, if you are ever in such a mess, follow the procedures below to unzip the file without the password.

• Method 1: Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with CMD
• Method 2: Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with ZIP Password Recovery (Best Method)
• Method 3: Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with iSunshare ZIP Password Genius

Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with CMD

Don’t know how to open a password protected ZIP file? There are a lot of methods you can use to unzip password protected ZIP file Windows 7 but the most underrated method is already present on your computer and that is, Command Prompt.

Although, it is one of the oldest methods to unlock a ZIP file, it works well enough. You will need the help of a “CMD Line” tool known as “John the Ripper”.

Here’s how to unzip encrypted ZIP file with John the Ripper:

Step 1: Simply, download John the Ripper Zip file on your computer then extract it on your Desktop.

Step 2: You don’t need to install this software, after the file is extracted you have to change the folder name from “XYZ” to “John”, and save it on Desktop.

Step 3: Now, enter the folder and go inside another folder called “run”.

Step 4: There, you have to make a new folder and name it “Crack”.

Step 5: Now, you have to copy the protected ZIP file and paste it inside the “Crack” folder.

Step 6: Now, return to Desktop and run “Command Prompt”. In the Command Prompt type “cd desktop/john/run” and press “Enter”.

Step 7: Then, to create “Password Hash” type the command “zip2john.exe crack/YourFileName.zip>crack/key.txt” and press “Enter”.

So, suppose your files name is “Windows10Keys.zip” and the password is “ABC123”.

Step 8: The password hash is finally created. Now, you have to check the “Key.txt” file to look for the password Hashes.

Step 9: Now, you will be using this hash file to unzip the protected zip file.

Step 10: Again, type the command “john –format=zip crack/key.txt” and press “Enter” and the password will be bypassed.

Hopefully, you will be able to open password protected ZIP file using this method. Keep in mind, the program takes a long time to crack complex password hashes.

Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with ZIP Password Recovery

One of the safest ways to unzip password protected ZIP file Windows 10 is to use ZIP Password Recovery. It is one of the best third-party programs you can get your hands on. It is fast, reliable and almost guarantees the password recovery.

So, here’s how to unzip protected zip file with ZIP Password Recovery:

Step 1: Download and install the program on your computer and then launch it.

Step 2: Next, you need to select “Recover Passwords for Files and Archives” from the main interface to proceed.

Step 3: In the following window several recovery tools will be listed, you need to select “ZIP Password Recovery”.

Step 4: Now, click “Open” to import and open the locked ZIP file in the program.

Step 5: Then, select an attack mode and then click “Start” to begin the ZIP recovery.

Step 6: When the recovery is completed, a pop-up window will appear with the recovered password. Click “Copy” to use it on the ZIP file.

This is quite a simple and effective method. Using this third-party software you will be able to unzip the locked ZIP file within a minute or two.

Unzip Password Protected ZIP File with iSunshare ZIP Password Genius

iSunshare ZIP Password Genius is a very powerful professional ZIP password recovery utility. It can run on multiple computers using LAN services and recovers the lost password in a matter of minutes. So, if you need to unzip password protected ZIP file, just follow the guide below:

Step 1: Just download and install the full version of the program on your computer and then launch it.

Step 2: Now, import the locked ZIP file in the program. So, click on the “Open” button and browse through the computer to find the locked ZIP file. Then, click “Open” and the file would appear in the “Encrypted File” box.

Step 3: Then, look into the option “Range Options and Length”. Here, you can choose characters that were in the forgotten password. Doing it will make the recovery time even shorter.

Step 4: Now, on the main page of the program you need to click “Start” to begin the process.

Step 5: after a few minutes the password will be recovered and it will appear in a new tab over the main page.

This professional version of the software recovers the password much faster than the Standard version. So, it may be a bit costly but you will get positive results, always.

Conclusion

Without any doubt, all 3 of the procedures are capable enough to unzip encrypted ZIP file, but you also have to judge them by their efficiency and availability. First of all, the Command Prompt method works but it is not efficient. It is very confusing and most of the time it fails if the password is too complicated. On the other hand, you have ZIP Password Recovery, which is not only better than it in terms of overall usability but also better in effectiveness and speed of recovery as well. Go for it!