So you have come across a RAR file and need what’s inside. This article will show you how to open them without paying for additional software like WinRAR.

Using 7-Zip to Open RAR Files

To open a RAR file without WinRAR, you can use a free and reliable software called 7-Zip. Here’s how:

Steps to Open a RAR File Using 7-Zip

Download and Install 7-Zip:
- Visit the 7-Zip website and download the latest version.
- Install 7-Zip on your computer. This will also add an extra contextual menu item for quick and convenient extraction.
Open Windows File Explorer:
- Navigate to the RAR file you want to open.
Extract the RAR File:
- Right-click on the RAR file.
- Hover over the 7-Zip option in the context menu.
- Select Extract to [folder name] from the slide-out menu.
Access the Extracted Files:
- The extracted contents of the RAR file will now be in the selected folder. You can access and use the files as needed.

Do I Need an Application to Open RAR Files?

Yes, third-party software is needed to open RAR files. Currently, Windows does not have native support for handling RAR files. However, Microsoft has announced plans to add native RAR support in Windows 11 soon.

Alternative Software to Open RAR Files

While 7-Zip is a great free option, another popular software for handling RAR files is WinRAR. Here are some details:

WinRAR

Advantages:
- Can create and open RAR files.
- Offers robust compression features.
- Supports a wide range of archive formats.
Disadvantages:
- It is not free (after a trial period, a license must be purchased).

What is a RAR File?

A RAR file is a compressed archive that reduces the size of files for easier storage and transfer. It was developed by a Russian software engineer named Eugene Roshal (Roshal ARchive) and released in March 1993. RAR files offer better compression ratios compared to ZIP files and can store additional file attributes.

Advantages of Using RAR Files

Better Compression Ratios: RAR files generally offer better compression ratios than ZIP files.
NTFS File System Attributes: They can store additional attributes in the NTFS file system, which can be useful for maintaining file integrity and permissions.

Is WinRAR Required?

No, WinRAR is not required to open RAR files. Free utilities like 7-Zip can handle opening RAR files. However, if you need to create RAR files, WinRAR is the recommended software.

Can Chrome Handle RAR Files?

The Chrome browser cannot natively open RAR files. However, you can install extensions from the Chrome Web Store that enable this functionality.

Conclusion

With various compression formats available, ZIP files remain the most universally supported. However, RAR files offer slightly better compression and additional features, making them useful when space is critical. Using 7-Zip is a reliable and free method to open RAR files on Windows 10/11 without needing WinRAR.