7zFM-Enhanced.exe

7-Zip Enhanced - Community Fork

User ApplicationThird-PartyUtility

CPU Usage

0-50%

Memory

10-100 MB

Location

C:\Program Files

Publisher

Community Fork

Quick Answer

7-Zip Enhanced is a third-party modification of official 7-Zip. While many versions are safe, they are NOT from Igor Pavlov (original 7-Zip developer). Download only from trusted sources and verify digital signatures to avoid malware.

Is it Safe?

⚠ DEPENDS

Unofficial fork - verify source

Resource Usage

✔ LOW

Similar to standard 7-Zip

Can I Remove?

✔ YES

Use standard 7-Zip instead

What is 7zFM-Enhanced.exe?

7-Zip Enhanced Edition (also called "7-Zip ZS" or "7-Zip Modified") refers to various community-maintained forks of the official open-source 7-Zip archiver. These enhanced versions typically add features like additional compression formats, improved UI themes, batch processing improvements, or optimized algorithms not yet included in Igor Pavlov's official release.

Because 7-Zip is open-source (GNU LGPL license), developers can legally modify and redistribute it. Popular enhanced versions include "7-Zip ZS" (Zstandard support), "7-Zip Portable" (PortableApps), and various themed editions. These forks add features like: Brotli/Zstandard/LZ4 compression, drag-drop improvements, context menu customization, dark themes, and faster extraction algorithms. However, being unofficial means they lack the rigorous security auditing of the official release.

Quick Fact: The most legitimate enhanced fork is "7-Zip ZS" by developer mcmilk, which adds modern compression algorithms (Zstandard, Brotli, LZ4/LZ5) that achieve better speed/ratio tradeoffs than LZMA2 for certain file types. Available on GitHub with full source code. However, the official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org remains the safest choice for most users.

7-Zip Variant Types

Official 7-Zip: Igor Pavlov's original from 7-zip.org - most secure and stable
7-Zip ZS (Enhanced): Community fork adding Zstandard, Brotli, LZ4 compression
7-Zip Portable: PortableApps version - runs without installation
Themed Editions: Modified UI with dark themes or custom icons - VERIFY SOURCE

Is 7-Zip Enhanced Safe?

It depends on the source. Legitimate forks like 7-Zip ZS from GitHub (mcmilk) are generally safe. However, many fake "enhanced" versions bundle adware, browser hijackers, or malware.

Is 7-Zip Enhanced a Virus or Malware?

Legitimate enhanced versions are NOT viruses, but many fake versions exist. Only download from known sources: GitHub (mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd), SourceForge (verified projects), or PortableApps.com.

How to Verify 7-Zip Enhanced is Legitimate

Download Source: ONLY from: GitHub.com/mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd (ZS edition), PortableApps.com, or SourceForge verified projects. NEVER from random download sites, torrents, or third-party installers.
Check Digital Signature: Legitimate forks should be signed. Check Properties → Digital Signatures. Unsigned versions from unknown sources are suspicious.
Verify File Hash: Compare SHA256 hash with official release page. Use: certutil -hashfile filename.exe SHA256 on Windows.
Scan with VirusTotal: Upload installer to VirusTotal.com before running. 2+ detections indicate likely malware.

Red Flags - DANGER: ⚠ MAJOR WARNING: Many fake "7-Zip Enhanced" installers bundle PUPs (potentially unwanted programs), browser hijackers, adware, or crypto-miners. Red flags: downloaded from CNET/Softonic-style sites, installer is larger than 5 MB, includes bundled toolbars/browser changes, requires unusual permissions, or lacks source code availability. ALWAYS use official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org unless you specifically need features only in verified forks.

Why Is 7-Zip Enhanced Running?

7-Zip Enhanced runs when you use it to compress or extract files, identical to standard 7-Zip behavior.

Reasons it's running:

Extracting Archive: Using enhanced version to extract ZIP, RAR, 7z, or newer formats (Zstd, Brotli)
Creating Archive: Compressing files with enhanced algorithms not in official 7-Zip
Testing Archive: Verifying integrity of downloaded archive files
Browsing Archive: Viewing contents without extracting using file manager interface
Malware (If Unexpected): If running without user action, verify legitimacy - may be fake version with malware

Should I Use 7-Zip Enhanced or Remove It?

For most users, uninstall enhanced versions and use official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org. Enhanced versions are only needed for specific advanced features.

How to Stop 7-Zip Enhanced

Close Application: Click X or press Alt+F4 (stops any active compression/extraction)
End Process: Task Manager → Find 7-Zip Enhanced process → End Task

How to Uninstall and Use Official 7-Zip

✔ Settings → Apps → Search "7-Zip Enhanced" or "7-Zip ZS" → Uninstall
✔ Download official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org only
✔ Install official version - restores safe, audited compression tool
✔ If you need Zstandard: Wait for official 7-Zip to add it, or use verified 7-Zip ZS from GitHub

Common Problems with Enhanced Versions

Issues specific to 7-Zip Enhanced editions:

Common Causes & Solutions

Adware/Browser Hijacker After Install: Fake enhanced version bundled malware. Uninstall immediately, run Malwarebytes scan, reset browser settings, reinstall official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org.
"Unknown Format" Errors: Enhanced version may use formats (Zstd, Brotli) not compatible with standard tools. Extract with same enhanced version, or use official 7-Zip for standard formats.
Context Menu Conflicts: Multiple 7-Zip versions installed. Uninstall all, reinstall only official 7-Zip. Or use ShellExView to disable duplicate context menu entries.
High CPU/Memory Usage: Enhanced compression algorithms (Ultra/Maximum) are intensive. Normal for Zstandard/Brotli. Use Fast/Normal modes for better performance.
Antivirus Flags as Suspicious: May be false positive for rare forks, or legitimate detection of bundled PUPs. Verify download source, check VirusTotal, use official 7-Zip if uncertain.
Archives Created Can't Be Opened: Used enhanced format (Zstd) that requires same enhanced tool to extract. Use standard .7z or .zip for compatibility with all systems.

Quick Fixes:
1. Uninstall enhanced version and use official 7-zip.org release
2. If keeping enhanced: Verify it's from GitHub.com/mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd
3. Scan with Malwarebytes if you suspect bundled adware
4. Use standard .7z or .zip formats for maximum compatibility
5. Check digital signature: Properties → Digital Signatures
6. Compare file hash with official release page before installing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7-Zip Enhanced safe?

Legitimate forks like 7-Zip ZS from GitHub (mcmilk) are generally safe for advanced users. However, many fake "enhanced" versions bundle malware. Most users should stick with official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org.

What's the difference between 7-Zip and 7-Zip Enhanced?

Enhanced versions add features not in official release: Zstandard/Brotli/LZ4 compression, dark themes, UI improvements, batch processing. Official 7-Zip is more stable, secure, and compatible.

Should I use 7-Zip Enhanced?

Only if you specifically need Zstandard compression or other enhanced features, AND you download from verified GitHub source (mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd). Otherwise, use official 7-Zip for safety.

Can I get viruses from 7-Zip Enhanced?

Yes, if downloaded from unofficial sites. Many fake "enhanced" installers bundle browser hijackers, adware, or PUPs. Only download from GitHub (verified forks), PortableApps.com, or official 7-zip.org.

Is 7-Zip ZS legitimate?

Yes, 7-Zip ZS by mcmilk (GitHub.com/mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd) is a legitimate open-source fork adding Zstandard compression. However, it's still third-party - official 7-Zip is safer for most users.

How do I remove 7-Zip Enhanced?

Settings → Apps → Find "7-Zip Enhanced" or "7-Zip ZS" → Uninstall. Then download official 7-Zip from 7-zip.org. If enhanced version installed adware, scan with Malwarebytes.

Why do antivirus programs flag 7-Zip Enhanced?

Either false positive for rare legitimate forks, or accurate detection of bundled PUPs/adware in fake versions. Verify source (should be GitHub or PortableApps), check VirusTotal, or switch to official 7-Zip.