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WinZip 31.0 release. WinZip has announced the release of version 31.0 with a perpetual license, available from September 16, 2026. This new iteration introduces authenticated AES-256-GCM encryption, an executable file signature verification system for the program, and the ability to log operations in the Windows Event Log.
For software with a history dating back to 1991 and focused on archive management, this update represents a significant step forward in terms of data protection, secure program execution, and activity monitoring. It is important to note that the new AES-256-GCM encryption option is not applied retroactively: installing WinZip 31.0 will not automatically modify the protection of existing archives.
WinZip 31.0 release: why it matters
Program integrity control occurs at every startup. WinZip verifies its own file signatures and blocks execution if anomalies or tampering are detected. Logging file operations in the Windows Event Log is an optional feature, disabled by default and requiring administrator intervention to enable.
The history of WinZip software begins even before the rise of Windows. In 1991, Nico Mak developed PMZIP, a graphical interface for OS/2 Presentation Manager; in the same year, the project was ported to Windows with the launch of WinZip 1.0. By 2008, the product offering had expanded to include WinZip, E-mail Companion (for automating compression and encryption of attachments), and WinZip Self Extractor, a tool for creating self-extracting archives without the need for additional software. To date, cumulative downloads of the software exceed 185 million.
Over the years, ownership of WinZip has changed hands multiple times. On January 18, 2005, Vector Capital acquired the company, while on May 2, 2006, Corel acquired WinZip by issuing 4,322,587 ordinary shares valued at $69.2 million USD and repaying bank debts.
On October 26, 2011, version WinZip 16 was presented in the United Kingdom, introducing ZipSend and ZipShare for sending files via email and Facebook. ZipSend offered free sends up to 50 MB, while the Pro version allowed reaching 2 GB per message. In 2012, when total downloads surpassed one billion, WinZip 17 integrated cloud storage services such as SkyDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive, along with PDF conversion features, watermarking, and image resizing.
What changes and what are the effects
Version 31.0 represents a further evolution toward greater security and control. The Enterprise edition includes automatic updates and compliance with the FIPS 140-3 standard, thanks to the use of Microsoft’s Cryptographic Primitives Library, validated according to this standard and used in approved mode. It is important to note that these additional features are exclusive to the Enterprise edition.
Following the release of WinZip 30 (perpetual license) and WinZip 77 (subscription), both available from September 16, 2025, the September 2026 launch includes WinZip 31.0 and WinZip 77.2. The latter version is cumulative and also incorporates changes introduced in subscription versions 77.1 and 77.2. Users upgrading from a previous perpetual version will retain their settings and file associations. WinZip 31 also supports ARM64EC architectures on Windows ARM devices and x64 on Intel and AMD systems.
The decision to evaluate this significant update is based primarily on the new protection and control features offered. Familiarity with the WinZip name may encourage users to try it again, but the final choice will depend on specific needs: the use of authenticated encryption, verification of program files at startup, or logging of executed operations. It is fundamental to remember that existing archives will retain their original level of encryption.
Source and further reading on WinZip 31.0 release: original article.
* Content created with the assistance of artificial intelligence systems.