- NanaZip is an open-source fork based on 7-Zip that modernizes the user experience on Windows.
- Its main advantage is the native integration into the new Windows 11 context menu, eliminating additional steps.
- It supports a huge variety of compression and decompression formats, exceeding the system's native capabilities.
If you're a regular user of Windows 11, you've probably noticed that Microsoft has given everything a facelift, including the right-click menu. The problem is that this has left many classic programs in limbo, forcing us to click the dreaded "Show more options" button multiple times just to compress a file, which is a real pain when you're in a hurry.
This is where NanaZip comes in, a free and open-source tool that essentially takes the powerful 7-Zip engine and wraps it in a modern, stylish interface . It's the ideal solution for those seeking the reliability of a veteran program but with the aesthetics and fluidity demanded by today's operating systems, seamlessly integrating into daily workflows.
What exactly is NanaZip and how is it different from others?
To get down to business, NanaZip isn't a program created from scratch; it's a fork of 7-Zip. This means that, internally, it works exactly the same as the popular free archiver, inheriting all its power and stability. However, the real leap forward lies in its visual interface and integration. While the original 7-Zip feels like software from twenty years ago, NanaZip adopts the Mica standard and dark mode , making it blend seamlessly with the rest of the Windows 11 interface.
Besides the aesthetics, there are two versions available. The standard version, designed specifically for modern systems and no longer compatible with 32-bit systems , and the NanaZip Classic version, which is the safe option if you're still using older computers, even supporting Windows Vista.
Supported formats and technical capabilities
One of the reasons to install NanaZip is that it leaves the native Windows tool far behind. Although Microsoft has started supporting formats like RAR and 7z in its latest versions, it remains limited, especially when dealing with encrypted compressed files , where the system often falls short. NanaZip, on the other hand, is a beast in terms of compatibility.
- To create files (Compress): You can choose from a wide variety of formats such as 7Z, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, XZ, LZ4, LZ5, ZSTD, WIM and LIZARD.
- To extract files (Unzip): The list is even longer, allowing you to open everything from classic RAR and ZIP files to more technical formats like ISO, DMG, VHD, VMDK, NTFS, FAT, GPT, CAB, MSI, or even Unix system formats like EXT and SquashFS.
In addition, the program includes very useful extras such as the implementation of updated Hash algorithms and codecs , along with additional security mitigations that make it more robust against potential vulnerabilities.
How to manage your files with NanaZip in Windows 11
The best thing about this software is that, once installed (either from its GitHub repository or directly from the Microsoft Store ), you hardly need to open the main application to do anything. The magic happens in the file explorer. By selecting a folder or group of documents and right-clicking, you'll see NanaZip's options directly in the first menu , without having to navigate through outdated submenus.
If you want to compress something, simply select the desired option and the program takes care of the rest with amazing smoothness. You can also configure the program to automatically delete the original files once the compression is complete, which is great for saving hard drive space. Decompressing is just as quick: one click and the files are extracted to the folder of your choice.
Customization and advanced settings
For those who want complete control, NanaZip lets you delve into its settings and decide exactly which functions appear in the context menu. Not everyone needs ten different options when right-clicking, so you can declutter the interface to include only what you use. You can also define default disk paths so the program always knows where to save your compressed files without you having to search for them every time.
Unlike basic Windows tools, where you only have the option to "Extract everything," here you have granular control over encryption and compression, allowing you to efficiently and securely password-protect your files —essential for sending sensitive data via email or uploading it to the cloud.
We offer a FOSS tool that combines the raw power of 7-Zip with a refreshed look and seamless integration into the Windows 11 menu. Thanks to its broad format compatibility and ability to eliminate unnecessary clicks, it stands out as the most logical choice for managing compressed files, offering versions for both modern systems and older computers through its Classic variant.