Windows · Compression & Archives
B1 Free Archiver for Windows
Free cross-platform archiver with its own .b1 format, cloud storage browsing, and a simple interface aimed at casual users.
Updated August 9, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation
Overview
B1 Free Archiver is a free utility available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile, built around a proprietary .b1 archive format alongside standard ZIP creation and wide-format extraction support.
One distinguishing feature is its built-in file manager that can browse cloud storage accounts like Google Drive and Dropbox directly, letting users archive or extract files without first downloading them locally.
Its interface targets casual users rather than power users — fewer configuration options than 7-Zip or PeaZip, but a simpler flow for basic compress-and-extract tasks and cross-platform archives shared between Windows and mobile devices.
B1 Free Archiver suits users who want a straightforward, free, cross-platform archiver with cloud browsing built in, rather than the deeper format and encryption controls power users look for in 7-Zip or PeaZip.
Key features
- Creates ZIP and the proprietary .b1 archive format
- Extracts a wide range of formats including RAR, 7Z, and TAR
- Built-in cloud storage browsing for Google Drive and Dropbox
- Cross-platform availability across Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile
- Simple drag-and-drop interface aimed at casual users
System requirements
- Operating system
- Windows 11 and Windows 10 (64-bit or 32-bit); also available for Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Architecture
- x64 or x86
- Permissions
- Administrator rights for installation
How to install B1 Free Archiver
1. Download from B1's site
Go to b1.org/download and choose the Windows installer.
2. Run the installer
Approve the UAC prompt to complete installation.
3. Connect cloud accounts (optional)
Sign in to Google Drive or Dropbox within the app if you want to browse cloud files directly.
How to use it
1. Create an archive
Drag files into the app window and choose ZIP or .b1 as the output format.
2. Extract an archive
Right-click an archive or open it in B1 Free Archiver and choose Extract.
3. Browse cloud storage
Use the built-in cloud panel to view and archive files from a connected account without downloading them first.
Safety and privacy
- Download only from b1.org, the developer's official site.
- We have not independently audited the installer; treat the developer's own site as the source of truth and avoid third-party mirrors.
- Bundled software
- We link only to the developer's own installer and have not audited the build for bundled offers beyond what the developer discloses.
- Privacy
- Cloud storage browsing requires connecting third-party accounts, which involves granting B1 Free Archiver access to those services per their respective permission models.
Known risks
- The proprietary .b1 format is less universally supported than ZIP or 7Z, so recipients may need this specific app to open .b1 archives.
- As with any archiver, keep the app updated and scan extracted files before running them.
What's new
Current release
Check b1.org for the current version and release notes; the developer publishes updates across its desktop and mobile apps.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free with cross-platform availability, including mobile apps
- Built-in cloud storage browsing is a genuinely convenient extra
- Simple interface for casual users
Cons
- Proprietary .b1 format has limited support outside this app
- Fewer power-user features (advanced encryption controls, scripting) than 7-Zip or PeaZip
- Smaller brand recognition means less independent security scrutiny
Verdict
B1 Free Archiver is a fine choice for casual, cross-platform archiving with handy cloud browsing, but power users after encryption depth or scripting should look at 7-Zip or PeaZip instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is B1 Free Archiver really free?
Yes, it's free to download and use.
What is the .b1 format?
It's B1 Free Archiver's own proprietary archive format; recipients generally need this app (available for Windows, Mac, Linux, and mobile) to open .b1 files, whereas ZIP archives it creates open anywhere.
Does it work on Windows 11?
Yes, B1 Free Archiver supports Windows 11 and Windows 10.