Bandizip is a file archiver for Windows from Bandisoft. It packs files into compressed archives, extracts more than forty archive and disk-image formats, and can change ZIP files without unpacking them. It runs from its own window and from the File Explorer right-click menu.
Formats it writes and opens
Bandizip creates ZIP, 7Z, ZIPX, TAR, TGZ, LZH, ISO, GZ, XZ and self-extracting EXE archives. It opens a much longer list, including RAR, CAB, WIM, DEB, ISO, IMG, ZPAQ, ZSTD and the Korean ALZ and EGG formats. Combined formats such as TGZ unpack in one step, without leaving an intermediate TAR file.
The format affects how the archive behaves. ZIP compresses each file separately, so you can take out one file quickly. 7Z can pack similar files together for a smaller archive, but a file in the middle of that block takes longer to reach.
Packing files
The New Archive dialog sets the archive name, location and password. Bandizip can also split the result into numbered parts sized for email limits or storage media. All parts must be in one folder for extraction. From File Explorer, right-click commands create a ZIP or 7Z straight away, or a separate ZIP for each selected item. Compression runs on several CPU cores. Bandizip does not compress files a second time if they will not shrink further, such as MP3 or existing archives.
Smart extraction
Opening an archive shows its file list. Besides “Extract here” and “Extract to (folder name)”, Bandizip offers a Smart option that checks the contents first. A single file goes into the current folder. Bandizip recreates a single top-level folder as it is. Loose files get a new folder named after the archive. This avoids both scattered files and a folder nested inside a folder of the same name. When you drag files out of the window, Bandizip writes them straight to the drop location. This saves time with large files.
Changing a ZIP in place
For ZIP archives, Bandizip can add, delete and rename files or create folders without rebuilding the archive by hand. You can edit a text or Office document opened from a ZIP or ZIPX archive in its usual program. After you save and close the document, Bandizip offers to write the change back into the archive. Other formats, such as 7Z or TAR, cannot be changed this way.
Passwords and hidden filenames
Bandizip can protect archives with a password and AES-256 encryption. A protected ZIP still shows its file list to anyone, while a password-protected 7Z also hides the filenames. Bandizip can also test an archive for corruption or a cut-short download. It can pass the archive’s contents to the installed antivirus for a scan without extracting them.
Free and paid editions
The free Standard edition of Bandizip shows ads, but you may use it at home and at work, including commercially. The paid Professional and Enterprise editions remove the ads and add several tools:
- a password manager for frequently used passwords (Standard stores one)
- repair of ZIP files with damaged headers
- image thumbnails inside archives
- a higher size limit for antimalware scans
Professional also includes password recovery, which tries possible passwords one by one, with Standard limited to four characters. Professional is licensed per person, while Enterprise is licensed per PC and only receives updates marked stable.
