How to create 7-Zip Self-Extractors (.7z to .exe) with Windows Explorer?

This article describes how to turn 7-Zip archives (.7z) into Self-Extracting archives (.exe) from Windows Explorer.

7-Zip file archives can be created using the free 7-Zip file archiver, written by Igor Pavlov and featuring a high compression ratio (especially thanks to its LZMA method). Go to www.7-zip.org for more information about 7-Zip.

A 7-Zip Self-Extracting (SFX) archive is a stand-alone program file (Windows .exe file) that can unpack the 7z archive (stored inside it) without needing 7-Zip or any other tools. This is actually a .7z file bundled with a small program (overhead) that extracts the files directly from the merged .7z file to the folder specified by the user.

Before you begin, you need these two tools:

• Paquet Builder – Freeware (or Registered) Edition. Paquet Builder can convert 7-Zip archives into simple or advanced Self-Extractors in .exe format. It can also create .7z files itself.
• Shell extension for Paquet Builder (free add-on): allows you to access Paquet Builder features directly from Windows Explorer (thanks to the context menu).

1. Open Windows Explorer and locate the 7-Zip archive you want to convert. For this article, we will convert “demo.7z”.

   

2. Select the 7-Zip archive and right-click it to display the context menu.

3. Select Convert to a Self-Extracting .exe.

   

4. The following dialog box appears:

   

   Modify the predefined settings if needed, then click Build to continue.

5. Paquet Builder opens silently. After a few seconds, your Self-Extracting archive is created if the build succeeds:

   

6. Launch the .exe file to open the extraction wizard. Anyone you send the .exe to will see the same wizard:

   

   Click Next to choose the destination folder:

   

   Select the path where you want to extract the files and click Next. 7-Zip is not required.

The dialog gives you two fields for customizing the wizard:

• Window Title changes the default “Paquet Archive” title.
• Description changes the text in the Welcome step.

You can also change the splash bitmap, homepage URL and Welcome dialog text in Paquet Builder.

For more advanced customization, choose one of these options:

• Open Paquet Builder to modify the package opens Paquet Builder when you click Create. Your Self-Extracting archive is not created until you compile it in Paquet Builder.
• Create a Paquet Builder project file when compiling creates the Self-Extracting archive and a project file (.pbpx). Double-click the project file to open it in Paquet Builder.

Paquet Builder also lets you:

• Display prompt messages at startup.
• Show readme files and license agreements.
• Select a different default destination folder.
• Create shortcuts to the extracted files.
• Execute additional programs or open documents.
• Add an uninstaller.
• Digitally sign the .exe file if you have a certificate.