There is currently no feature in WinZip that can remove encryption from a Zip file.
In the Zip file format, the data itself in the zip file is encrypted.
AES Encryption Information
The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) isa symmetric block cipher chosen by the U.S. government to protect classified information. AES is implemented in software and hardware throughout the world to encrypt sensitive data. It is essential for government computer security, cybersecurity, and electronic data protection.
Encryption is applied only to the content of files. It is performed after compression and not to any other associated data. The file data is encrypted byte-for-byte..
To remove encryption from the files that have been zipped, they would need to be extracted using the correct password. WinZip uses the password in combination with the appropriate key to decrypt the zipped data and recreate exact byte-for-byte duplicates of the originals. Once the files have been extracted, you can create a new Zip file without applying encryption. Afterward, you can delete the encrypted Zip file, leaving only the new, unencrypted Zip file.
You may find more information here.
FAQs
On windows, you will need a zip program that supports password-protected (encrypted) zipfiles. Download and install the appropriate edition. Right click on the zipfile you've received, go to 7-Zip, click "Extract to (name of file)...". It will prompt you for the password, enter it, and the zip should be extracted.
How to decrypt a compressed zip folder? ›
Extract/Unzip Zipped Files
- Right-click the zipped folder saved to your computer.
- Choose "Extract All..." (an extraction wizard will begin).
- Click [Next >].
- Click [Browse...] and navigate to where you would like to save the files.
- Click [Next >].
- Click [Finish].
You can remove file system encryption by unchecking the "Encrypt Contents to Secure Data" feature. Yes, this only works for the file system, not for a specific file. If you want to decrypt files, the certificate or password is indispensable. To recover encrypted files without passwords, check the topic article.
How do I remove data encryption? ›
- Type and search [Device encryption settings] in the Windows search bar①, then click [Open]②.
- On the Device encryption field, set the option to [Off]③.
- Confirm whether you need to turn off device encryption, select [Turn off] to disable the device encryption function④.
How to Extract Password Protected Zip Files with Password
- Open the protected file in WinRAR and enter your password.
- Then, set an extraction path option for your file by clicking "Extract To".
- You can start the extraction process now. 💡You may also be interested in this post if you are using WinRAR:
Encryption applies only to the contents of files stored within a Zip file. Information about an encrypted file, such as its name, date, size, attributes, CRC, and compression ratio, is stored in unencrypted form in the Zip file's directory and can be viewed, without a password, by anyone who has access to the Zip file.
How to decrypt an encrypted file without a password? ›
You can follow the steps below to decrypt a file on Windows 10:
- Select "Programs or All Programs" under the start menu, click "Accessories", and then choose "Windows Explorer".
- Right-click the file you want to decrypt, and click "Properties".
- Click "Advanced".
- Clear the Encrypt contents and then click "OK".
To unzip a single file or folder, open the zipped folder, then drag the file or folder from the zipped folder to a new location. To unzip all the contents of the zipped folder, press and hold (or right-click) the folder, select Extract All..., and then follow the instructions.
How do I decrypt an encrypted folder? ›
How to decrypt ransomware encrypted files (and recover your data without a previous backup)
- Step 1: Identify the ransomware variant. ...
- Step 2: Back up encrypted files. ...
- Step 3: Download a decryption tool. ...
- Step 4: Run the decryption tool. ...
- Step 5: Check the decrypted files. ...
- Step 6: Remove the ransomware.
To decrypt a file or folder:
- From the Start menu, select Programs or All Programs, then Accessories, and then Windows Explorer.
- Right-click the file or folder you want to decrypt, and then click Properties.
- On the General tab, click Advanced.
- Clear the Encrypt contents to secure data checkbox, and then click OK.
Removing a password from a document is a simple process, but you have to know the original password.
- Open the document and enter its password.
- Go to File > Info > Protect Document > Encrypt with Password.
- Clear the password in the Password box, and then click OK.
You can delete files from an encrypted storage device or delete the encrypted drive itself.
How do I decrypt encrypted data? ›
Right-click on the encrypted file or folder and select “Properties.” In the “Properties” window, navigate to the “General” tab. Locate the “Encrypt contents to secure data” option. Uncheck this option to initiate the decryption process.
How do you destroy encrypted data? ›
Physical Destruction
- Use a Hard Drive Shredder: Use a hard drive shredder designed to safely destroy. ...
- Destruction with other tools: Use destructible tools such as Paper shredder, fumigator, or other hard material shredding tool that can be used to destroy hard drives.
Press Windows Start button. Type bitlocker. Click Manage BitLocker to enter the BitLocker Drive Encryption menu. Select Turn off BitLocker to proceed with decryption.
How do I unencrypt a folder? ›
Right-click (or press and hold) a file or folder and select Properties. Select the Advanced button and select the Encrypt contents to secure data check box. Select OK to close the Advanced Attributes window, select Apply, and then select OK.
How do I disable encrypting file system? ›
4. Enabling or Disabling the EFS Using Services
- Press “Windows+R” and type “services. msc” in the dialogue box and press Enter;
- Find Encrypting File System (EFS), right-click it, and select Properties;
- Select Disabled from the Startup type drop-down list and click Apply;
- Click OK to apply changes.
