You've probably experienced this: when trying to organize your folders, you realize that disk space runs out faster than you'd like. To solve this, having a good file manager is essential, and although for decades the legendary WinRAR has been the benchmark, nowadays there are compression programs that are hot on its heels and, what's more, are completely free and open source.
Enter NanaZip, a tool designed to refresh how we handle data packages. It's not a program created from scratch, but rather a smart evolution that takes the best of 7-Zip and adapts it to modern times, resulting in a much smoother and more visually appealing user experience on modern operating systems.
What exactly is NanaZip and how is it different from others?
To put things in context, NanaZip is what we technically call a fork. This means it uses 7-Zip's internal engine, so its processing power and capabilities are identical, but it adds a modern interface layer much more in line with the Windows 11 aesthetic. While the original 7-Zip might feel a bit outdated, NanaZip feels like a current native application.
One of its biggest advantages over the competition is its direct integration into the context menu . Forget about navigating through outdated drop-down menus or complicated paths. With NanaZip, you can compress or extract files directly from Windows 10 and 11 File Explorer, which speeds things up considerably.
Supported formats and technical capabilities
In terms of versatility, this software is a true beast. For those who need to create packages, it allows compression in various formats such as 7Z, ZIP, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, XZ, LZ4, LZ5, WIM, ZSTD, and LIZARD. Its flexibility is complete, even allowing the management of split archives, which is vital if you struggle with limited file systems like the old FAT32.
When it comes to decompression, the list is even longer and more impressive. In addition to the usual formats, it can read RAR, ISO, DMG, VHD, VMDK, CAB , and a huge number of others such as APFS, CHM, EXT, GPT, HFS, and SquashFS. However, it's important to note that, being a 7-Zip-based project, it can't create RAR archives natively due to licensing restrictions, although it can open them without issue.
For more advanced users, NanaZip includes additional hash algorithms and codecs , along with security mitigations that better protect your data. It also offers the option to encrypt files with a password so that no one can pry into your private information.
Highlights of version 5.0
The evolution of this project continues, and version 5.0 has brought some very powerful improvements. The most notable change is the expansion of read-only support , now allowing the opening of very specific formats such as ZelFS, ROMFS, and WASM. This makes the tool a Swiss Army knife for those who work with images of diverse file systems.
- Support for extracting files from packages .NET Single File Application.
- Reading compatibility with Electron Archive (Asar).
- Significant improvements to the translations so that the program is available in more lenguajes.
- Correction of errors in the management of empty folders within UFS/UFS2 systems.
- Maintenance tool pack update for a more stable performance.
Installing NanaZip: A Brief Guide
Getting this program onto your PC is incredibly easy. The most recommended method is through the Microsoft Store , as it allows for automatic updates and a clean installation. However, for open-source enthusiasts, it's also available for direct download from its official repository on GitHub.
Recommended method: Microsoft Store
These are the steps to follow:
- Open the Microsoft Store on Windows 11.
- Search NanaZip.
- Select the app NanaZip.
- Balance Install.
- When it's finished, it will be available in the system.
To verify that it works, right-click on any file. .zip, .rar o .7zYou'll see options like "extract to," "compress to," etc. In Windows 11, it may appear directly in the modern context menu or within «Show more options».
Set it as the default compressor
- Open NanaZip from the Start menu.
- Go to Options → Settings.
- In the System, select the formats you want to associate:
- ZIP
- RAR
- 7Z
- TAR
- ISO
- Balance Apply.
NanaZip for advanced compression and encryption
Maximum compression (smallest files)
These are the steps to follow:
- Select the files or folders.
- Right click → NanaZip → Add to archive…
- configure:
- Format: 7z
- Compression method: LZMA2
- Compression level: Ultra
- Dictionary size: the maximum your RAM allows
- Solid mode: Solid
This configuration typically offers the best size-to-compression ratio, especially for documents, source code, and backups. There's also a fast compression option for frequent backups or file sharing. The goal is to achieve significantly faster speeds with a moderate loss of compression.
Secure encryption with password
This operation can be performed from the same window by following these simple steps:
- Enter a long password (minimum 16 characters).
- Encryption method: AES-256.
- Brand Encrypt file names (Encrypt file names).
This way, not only is the data encrypted, but also the names of the files and folders within the container.
Other alternatives on the market
Why install NanaZip instead of 7-Zip? There are many reasons to do so. The most important are these:
- It integrates much better with Windows 11.
- It offers modern contextual menus.
- It has a dark mode.
- It is compatible with the same formats as 7-Zip.
- It is a free and open source tool.
If for any reason you feel NanaZip isn't for you, there are other alternatives to WinRAR . WinRAR remains the industry giant and the only program capable of compressing files in RAR format, although it's a paid service (with the well-known trial period). On the other hand, we have PeaZip, another free gem based on 7-Zip, although it tends to be less well integrated into the Windows 11 menu than NanaZip.
We have a lightweight tool that uses very few resources and transforms the tedious task of packing files into something quick and visually appealing. Thanks to its 7-Zip foundation and modern interface, NanaZip is the ideal choice for those seeking efficiency, security, and a free solution without technical complications on their Windows computers.
