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How to Open RAR Files Without WinRAR: Complete Guide

Table of Contents

  1. What Are RAR Files?
  2. How to Open RAR Files on Windows
    1. Method 1: Using 7-Zip
    2. Method 2: Using WinZip
    3. Method 3: Using PeaZip
    4. Method 4: Using WinRAR
    5. Method 5: Using Online RAR Extractors
  3. How to Open RAR Files on Mac
    1. Method 1: Using Keka
    2. Method 2: Using The Unarchiver
    3. Method 3: Using BetterZip
    4. Method 4: Using Terminal and Homebrew
  4. How to Open RAR Files on Mobile Devices
    1. Android Solutions
    2. iOS Solutions
  5. How to Open RAR Files on Linux
  6. Working with Multi-part RAR Archives
  7. Dealing with Password-Protected RAR Files
  8. Common RAR Extraction Issues and Solutions
  9. Comparison of RAR Extraction Methods
  10. Conclusion

What Are RAR Files?

RAR (Roshal Archive) is a proprietary file format used for data compression and archiving. Developed by Eugene Roshal, RAR files are widely used for compressing and bundling multiple files together into a single container, making them easier to store, transfer, and share.

Unlike the more universal ZIP format, RAR is a proprietary format owned by win.rar GmbH. This means that while many tools can extract RAR files, creating them typically requires the official WinRAR software or a compatible tool that has licensed the technology.

Key Features of the RAR Format

Common RAR File Extensions

While RAR files offer advantages in terms of compression and features, their proprietary nature means that you need specific software to open them. Fortunately, there are many options available for extracting RAR files across different operating systems, both free and paid, which we'll explore in detail in this guide.

How to Open RAR Files on Windows

Windows doesn't include built-in support for RAR files, but there are several excellent options available. Here are the best methods to open and extract RAR files on Windows systems.

Method 1: Using 7-Zip

7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver that supports a wide range of formats, including RAR. It's lightweight, fast, and integrates well with Windows Explorer.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download 7-Zip:
  2. Install 7-Zip:
    • Run the downloaded installer
    • Follow the installation prompts (the default settings are usually fine)
    • Complete the installation
  3. Extract RAR Files with 7-Zip:
    • Right-click on the RAR file you want to open
    • Hover over the "7-Zip" option in the context menu
    • Choose one of the extraction options:
      • "Extract Here" - Extracts the contents to the current folder
      • "Extract to [Folder Name]" - Creates a new folder with the same name as the archive and extracts the contents there
      • "Extract to..." - Lets you choose a specific location for extraction
  4. Browse RAR Contents:
    • To view the contents without extracting, right-click the RAR file
    • Select "7-Zip" > "Open archive"
    • This opens the 7-Zip File Manager where you can browse the contents, extract specific files, or perform other operations

Pros:

  • Free and open-source
  • Lightweight (about 1MB installation)
  • Excellent compression and extraction performance
  • Supports many other archive formats besides RAR
  • Integrates well with Windows Explorer
  • Regular updates and strong community support

Cons:

  • Interface may feel slightly dated
  • Cannot create RAR archives (only extract them)
  • May have difficulty with some password-protected or highly compressed RAR files

Method 2: Using WinZip

WinZip is one of the oldest and most established archive management tools. While it's primarily known for handling ZIP files, it also supports RAR extraction.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download WinZip:
    • Visit the WinZip website
    • Download the trial version or purchase the full version
  2. Install WinZip:
    • Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
    • Choose the integration options you prefer
    • Complete the installation
  3. Extract RAR Files with WinZip:
    • Double-click the RAR file to open it in WinZip
    • Click the "Unzip" or "Extract" button in the toolbar
    • Choose a destination folder
    • Click "Unzip" to extract the contents
  4. Alternative Extraction Method:
    • Right-click on the RAR file
    • Select one of the WinZip extraction options from the context menu
    • Follow the prompts to complete the extraction

Pros:

  • Polished, user-friendly interface
  • Good integration with Windows
  • Supports a wide range of archive formats
  • Additional features like file encryption and cloud integration
  • Regular updates and commercial support

Cons:

  • Not free - requires purchase after trial period
  • Larger installation size compared to alternatives
  • May include features you don't need for simple RAR extraction
  • Some users report it can be resource-intensive

Method 3: Using PeaZip

PeaZip is a free, open-source file archiver with a modern interface and excellent RAR support. It offers a good balance between ease of use and advanced features.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download PeaZip:
    • Visit the PeaZip website
    • Download the version appropriate for your system (portable versions are also available)
  2. Install PeaZip:
    • Run the installer
    • Follow the installation wizard (you can customize the integration options)
    • Complete the installation
  3. Extract RAR Files with PeaZip:
    • Right-click on the RAR file
    • From the context menu, select "PeaZip" and then one of the extraction options:
      • "Extract here"
      • "Extract here (smart)"
      • "Extract..."
    • If you choose "Extract...", you'll see an extraction dialog where you can specify location and other options
    • Click "OK" to proceed with extraction
  4. Browse RAR Contents:
    • Double-click the RAR file to open it in PeaZip
    • Browse the archive contents in the main interface
    • Extract specific files by selecting them and clicking "Extract"

Pros:

  • Free and open-source
  • Modern, user-friendly interface
  • Excellent archive format support
  • Advanced features like conversion between formats
  • Available in portable version (no installation required)
  • Strong privacy and security features

Cons:

  • Slightly larger download than 7-Zip
  • May feel feature-heavy for basic extraction needs
  • Cannot create RAR archives (only extract them)

Method 4: Using WinRAR

WinRAR is the official software for the RAR format. While it's not free, it offers the most complete and reliable support for all RAR features.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download WinRAR:
  2. Install WinRAR:
    • Run the installer
    • Follow the setup wizard
    • Choose your preferred integration options
    • Complete the installation
  3. Extract RAR Files with WinRAR:
    • Right-click on the RAR file
    • Select one of the extraction options:
      • "Extract files..." - Opens the extraction dialog
      • "Extract here" - Extracts to current folder
      • "Extract to [folder name]" - Creates a new folder and extracts there
    • If using "Extract files...", specify a destination and any other options
    • Click "OK" to extract
  4. Browse RAR Contents:
    • Double-click the RAR file to open it in WinRAR
    • Navigate through the archive contents
    • Extract specific files by selecting them and clicking "Extract To" or drag and drop them to a folder

Pros:

  • Official RAR software with complete format support
  • Can both create and extract RAR archives
  • Best handling of complex RAR features (recovery records, split archives)
  • Built-in repair functionality for damaged archives
  • Excellent support for password-protected archives
  • Regular updates and commercial support

Cons:

  • Not free - requires purchase after trial period
  • Trial version displays purchase reminders
  • Interface may feel dated compared to some alternatives

Method 5: Using Online RAR Extractors

If you prefer not to install any software, several online services can extract RAR files directly in your web browser.

Popular Online RAR Extractors:

  • Extract.me:
    • Simple, clean interface
    • Supports RAR and many other formats
    • Files are processed in your browser for privacy
  • ezyZip:
    • Easy-to-use interface
    • No registration required
    • Supports basic extraction needs
  • FreeConvert RAR Extractor:
    • Part of a larger file conversion service
    • User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
    • Can handle larger files than some alternatives

General Steps for Online Extraction:

  1. Visit one of the online RAR extractor websites
  2. Upload your RAR file (usually through a file selector or drag-and-drop interface)
  3. Wait for the file to upload and process
  4. If prompted, enter any password for protected archives
  5. Preview the contents (if the service offers this feature)
  6. Select all files or specific files to extract
  7. Download the extracted files (usually as individual files or as a ZIP archive)

Pros:

  • No software installation required
  • Works on any device with a modern web browser
  • Useful for one-time extraction needs
  • Platform-independent solution

Cons:

  • Usually limited to smaller file sizes (typically under 200MB)
  • Requires internet connection and upload bandwidth
  • Privacy concerns - your files are uploaded to third-party servers
  • Not suitable for regular use with large or sensitive files
  • May not support advanced RAR features like split archives

Important Privacy Note: When using online extraction services, be aware that your files are uploaded to third-party servers. Avoid using these services for sensitive or confidential information unless the service explicitly guarantees secure processing and immediate deletion after extraction.

How to Open RAR Files on Mac

macOS doesn't include built-in support for RAR files, but there are several excellent third-party options available, both free and paid.

Method 1: Using Keka

Keka is a popular, user-friendly file archiver for macOS with excellent RAR support. It's available both as a free download from the developer's website and as a paid app on the Mac App Store.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download Keka:
  2. Install Keka:
    • If downloaded from the website, mount the DMG file and drag Keka to your Applications folder
    • If purchased from the App Store, it will install automatically
    • Open Keka once to set it as the default app for archives (if prompted)
  3. Extract RAR Files with Keka:
    • Method A: Double-click the RAR file, and Keka should automatically extract it to the same location
    • Method B: Drag and drop the RAR file onto the Keka application icon
    • Method C: Right-click the RAR file, select "Open With" > "Keka"
  4. Customize Extraction Settings:
    • Open Keka before extraction
    • Set your preferred extraction location in the Keka interface
    • Choose other options like whether to extract to a new folder
    • Then drag your RAR file onto the Keka window

Pros:

  • Mac-native interface that follows Apple design guidelines
  • Fast extraction performance
  • Free version available directly from developer website
  • Supports many archive formats beyond RAR
  • Regular updates and active development

Cons:

  • Cannot browse archive contents before extraction
  • App Store version costs money (though it supports the developer)
  • Cannot create RAR archives (only extract them)

Method 2: Using The Unarchiver

The Unarchiver is a free, versatile archive extraction utility for macOS that handles a wide range of formats, including RAR.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download The Unarchiver:
  2. Install The Unarchiver:
    • If downloaded from the App Store, it installs automatically
    • If downloaded from the website, unzip the download and move the app to your Applications folder
    • Open The Unarchiver at least once to set file associations
  3. Set Up File Associations:
    • When you first open The Unarchiver, it will ask which file types it should handle
    • Make sure RAR files are selected
    • Click "OK" to save your preferences
  4. Extract RAR Files:
    • Simply double-click any RAR file
    • The Unarchiver will automatically extract it to the same folder
    • For the first extraction, you may be asked where to extract the files
  5. Customize Extraction Location:
    • Open The Unarchiver application
    • Go to Preferences
    • Set your preferred extraction location
    • Choose whether to create a new folder for extracted files

Pros:

  • Completely free
  • Simple, streamlined interface
  • Fast extraction speed
  • Supports an extensive range of archive formats (over 70)
  • Handles character encoding well for archives with non-English filenames

Cons:

  • Cannot browse archive contents before extraction
  • Limited customization options
  • Cannot create archives (extraction only)
  • No support for repairing damaged archives

Method 3: Using BetterZip

BetterZip is a more feature-rich archive utility for macOS that allows browsing RAR contents before extraction.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Download BetterZip:
    • Visit the BetterZip website
    • Download the trial version
    • Purchase a license if you decide to continue using it after the trial
  2. Install BetterZip:
    • Mount the downloaded DMG file
    • Drag BetterZip to your Applications folder
    • Launch BetterZip at least once
  3. Browse RAR Contents:
    • Double-click a RAR file to open it in BetterZip
    • Browse through the archive's contents in the main window
    • Preview files by selecting them (for compatible file types)
  4. Extract Files:
    • To extract all files, click the "Extract" button in the toolbar
    • To extract specific files, select them first, then click "Extract"
    • Choose your extraction location and other options
    • Click "Extract" to complete the process
  5. Quick Extraction:
    • Right-click on a RAR file in Finder
    • From the context menu, select the BetterZip extraction options
    • Choose a destination for the extracted files

Pros:

  • Full-featured archive management
  • Preview and browse archive contents before extraction
  • Can extract only selected files
  • Supports password-protected archives well
  • Direct integration with macOS Finder

Cons:

  • Not free (paid software after trial period)
  • More complex interface than simpler alternatives
  • Cannot create RAR archives (only extract them)

Method 4: Using Terminal and Homebrew

For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, you can use the Terminal to extract RAR files using the unrar utility.

Installation and Usage:

  1. Install Homebrew (if not already installed):
    • Open Terminal (from Applications > Utilities or using Spotlight)
    • Paste the following command and press Enter: 
      /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
    • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Homebrew installation
  2. Install unrar using Homebrew:
    • In Terminal, enter the following command: 
      brew install unrar
    • Wait for the installation to complete
  3. Extract RAR Files:
    • Navigate to the directory containing your RAR file using the cd command: 
      cd /path/to/directory
    • Extract the RAR file using the unrar command: 
      unrar x filename.rar
    • This will extract the contents to the current directory
  4. Additional unrar Commands:
    • List contents without extracting: 
      unrar l filename.rar
    • Extract to a specific directory: 
      unrar x filename.rar /path/to/destination/
    • Extract with full paths: 
      unrar x -ad filename.rar

Pros:

  • Free and open-source
  • Lightweight with minimal resource usage
  • Can be automated or used in scripts
  • Works well for batch processing multiple archives
  • Official RAR extraction engine

Cons:

  • Requires command-line knowledge
  • No graphical interface
  • More steps involved for initial setup
  • Less intuitive for casual users

How to Open RAR Files on Mobile Devices

Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets can also handle RAR files with the right apps. Here are solutions for both Android and iOS platforms.

Android Solutions

Android offers several good options for managing RAR files directly on your device.

Recommended Android Apps for RAR Files:

  1. RAR by RARLAB (Official WinRAR App)
    • Download from Google Play
    • Official RAR application from the creators of WinRAR
    • Complete support for all RAR features
    • Can both create and extract RAR archives
    • Free with no ads
  2. ZArchiver
    • Download from Google Play
    • Popular, lightweight archive manager
    • Supports many archive formats including RAR
    • Simple, intuitive interface
    • Free with optional Pro version
  3. Files by Google
    • Download from Google Play
    • Google's official file manager
    • Built-in support for extracting common archives including RAR
    • Clean interface and integration with Android
    • Completely free

General Steps for Opening RAR Files on Android:

  1. Install one of the recommended apps from the Google Play Store
  2. Navigate to the RAR file using the app's file browser or your device's file manager
  3. Tap on the RAR file to open it
  4. For most apps, you'll see the contents of the archive
  5. Tap the extract button (usually an icon with an arrow pointing outward)
  6. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files
  7. Wait for the extraction to complete
  8. Access your extracted files in the destination folder

Tip: On newer Android versions, if you receive a RAR file as an email attachment or download it from the web, you may be able to extract it directly from your downloads or file manager without installing additional apps, as some device manufacturers include built-in support for common archive formats.

iOS Solutions

iOS (iPhone and iPad) also offers several options for handling RAR files.

Recommended iOS Apps for RAR Files:

  1. iZip
    • Download from App Store
    • Popular, well-reviewed archive manager
    • Supports RAR, ZIP, and many other formats
    • Free version available with in-app purchases
    • Integrates with iOS Files app
  2. WinZip
    • Download from App Store
    • iOS version of the well-known desktop archive utility
    • Comprehensive format support including RAR
    • Cloud service integration
    • Free with in-app purchases
  3. Documents by Readdle
    • Download from App Store
    • Full-featured file manager with archive support
    • Can extract RAR files alongside its many other functions
    • Free with premium subscription option
    • Excellent overall file management capabilities

General Steps for Opening RAR Files on iOS:

  1. Install one of the recommended apps from the App Store
  2. If you received the RAR file via email or downloaded it:
    • Tap on the file
    • Select "Share" or "Open with"
    • Choose your installed RAR extraction app
  3. Alternatively, within your chosen app:
    • Navigate to where the RAR file is stored
    • Tap on the file to open it
  4. Most apps will display the contents of the archive
  5. Select files to extract if needed
  6. Tap the extract or unzip button
  7. Choose a destination for the extracted files
  8. Access your extracted files in the Files app or within the extraction app

iOS Files App Integration: In iOS 13 and later, the built-in Files app may be able to preview the contents of some archive files. However, for full extraction capabilities, you'll still need a third-party app like those mentioned above.

How to Open RAR Files on Linux

Linux offers both command-line and graphical options for handling RAR files.

Command-Line Method Using unrar

  1. Install unrar:
    • For Debian/Ubuntu-based distributions: 
      sudo apt-get install unrar
    • For Fedora/RHEL-based distributions: 
      sudo dnf install unrar
    • For Arch Linux: 
      sudo pacman -S unrar
  2. Extract RAR Files:
    • Navigate to the directory containing your RAR file: 
      cd /path/to/directory
    • Extract the archive: 
      unrar x filename.rar
  3. Useful unrar Commands:
    • List contents without extracting: 
      unrar l filename.rar
    • Test archive integrity: 
      unrar t filename.rar
    • Extract to specific directory: 
      unrar x filename.rar /destination/path/

Graphical Methods

  1. File Roller (Archive Manager):
    • Default archive manager in many GNOME-based distributions
    • Ensure you have the necessary backend installed: 
      sudo apt-get install unrar
    • Simply double-click on RAR files to open them
    • Use the Extract button to extract files to your desired location
  2. Ark:
    • Default archive manager in KDE-based distributions
    • Install necessary backend: 
      sudo apt-get install unrar
    • Open RAR files by double-clicking them
    • Extract using the extraction button or by dragging files to a folder
  3. PeaZip for Linux:
    • Cross-platform archive manager with Linux version
    • Download from the PeaZip website
    • Available in various formats (DEB, RPM, portable)
    • Full-featured interface similar to the Windows version

Note: Some Linux distributions may not include unrar in their main repositories due to licensing restrictions. In such cases, you may need to enable additional repositories or use alternative methods like 7-Zip's implementation through p7zip-rar.

Working with Multi-part RAR Archives

Multi-part (split) RAR archives are commonly used for sharing large files. These archives are divided into multiple files with extensions like .part1.rar, .part2.rar, or the older format .r00, .r01, etc.

How to Identify Multi-part RAR Archives

Multi-part RAR archives can be identified by their file naming patterns:

Extracting Multi-part Archives

To extract a multi-part RAR archive:

  1. Ensure all parts are present in the same directory. If any part is missing, extraction will likely fail.
  2. Only open the first file in the sequence:
    • For modern format: the .part1.rar file
    • For older format: the .rar file
  3. Use your preferred extraction tool as you would with a regular RAR file.
  4. The extraction software will automatically recognize it as a multi-part archive and process all parts.

Common Issues with Multi-part Archives

Tips for Successful Multi-part Extraction

Dealing with Password-Protected RAR Files

RAR files can be encrypted with passwords to protect their contents. Here's how to handle password-protected RAR archives.

Extracting Password-Protected RAR Files

  1. Using any extraction software, open the RAR file as normal
  2. When you attempt to extract or view the contents, you'll be prompted for a password
  3. Enter the correct password
  4. Proceed with extraction as normal

What to Do If You Forgot the Password

If you've forgotten the password to your own RAR file, you have several options:

  1. Try common passwords you typically use
  2. Check for password hints in file names or accompanying text files
  3. Contact the person who sent you the file
  4. Use password recovery tools (only for your own files where you have legal right to access):

Important Legal Note: Only attempt to recover passwords for RAR files that you have the legal right to access. Using password recovery tools on files you don't own may violate computer crime laws and intellectual property rights.

Password Recovery Methods

Password recovery tools typically use one of these approaches:

Note: Recovery success depends on password complexity and computing power. Simple passwords may be recovered quickly, while complex passwords could take days, years, or be practically impossible to recover with current technology.

Common RAR Extraction Issues and Solutions

Even with the right tools, you might encounter problems when working with RAR files. Here are solutions to common issues:

CRC Error During Extraction

Problem: "CRC failed" or "Checksum error" message appears during extraction.

Solutions:

  1. Re-download the file if possible, as the error indicates data corruption
  2. Try using WinRAR's repair feature (Open in WinRAR > Tools > Repair Archive)
  3. If it's a multi-part archive, ensure all parts are present and undamaged
  4. Try extracting with the "Keep broken files" option if available in your extraction tool
  5. For archives with recovery records, WinRAR can sometimes repair minor damage

Unsupported Format or Unknown Method

Problem: "Unsupported compression method" or similar error appears.

Solutions:

  1. Try using a different extraction tool (WinRAR is most likely to support all RAR variants)
  2. Update your extraction software to the latest version
  3. The archive might be using a newer RAR format (RAR5) - ensure your tool supports it
  4. If using 7-Zip, make sure you have a recent version that supports RAR5

Incomplete Extraction

Problem: Extraction stops before completing or some files are missing.

Solutions:

  1. Ensure you have enough disk space for the extracted contents
  2. Check for file permission issues in the destination folder
  3. If extracting a multi-part archive, verify all parts are present
  4. Try extracting to a different location (like your desktop)
  5. Restart your computer and try again (to clear any file locks)

File Path Too Long

Problem: Extraction fails due to file path length limitations.

Solutions:

  1. Extract to a location with a shorter path (e.g., C:\\RAR\\ instead of C:\\Users\\Username\\Documents\\Downloads\\)
  2. On Windows, use the 7-Zip option "Eliminate duplicate root folder"
  3. In WinRAR, try using the "Absolute paths" option
  4. On Windows 10, you can enable long path support through Group Policy Editor or Registry

Extraction Performance Issues

Problem: Extraction is extremely slow or causes system to freeze.

Solutions:

  1. Close other applications to free up system resources
  2. Extract to a local drive rather than a network or external drive
  3. If the archive contains many small files, extraction will naturally take longer
  4. Disable antivirus real-time scanning temporarily during extraction
  5. Try a different extraction tool that might be more efficient with your specific archive

Comparison of RAR Extraction Methods

To help you choose the best method for your needs, here's a comparison of the various RAR extraction options:

Method Platform Ease of Use Cost Feature Completeness Best For
7-Zip Windows Easy Free Very Good Everyday users who need a reliable free solution
WinRAR Windows Easy Paid (trial available) Excellent Users who need complete RAR support including repair features
PeaZip Windows, Linux Easy Free Very Good Users who want a modern interface with good format support
WinZip Windows, Mac, Mobile Easy Paid (trial available) Good Users who need a polished, commercial solution
Keka Mac Very Easy Free (website) / Paid (App Store) Good Mac users who want a native, simple solution
The Unarchiver Mac Very Easy Free Good Mac users who want minimal setup with good compatibility
Command Line (unrar) Windows, Mac, Linux Difficult Free Excellent Advanced users or those needing automation
Online Extractors Any (browser-based) Very Easy Free (with limitations) Limited One-time use without installing software
RAR (RARLAB App) Android Easy Free Excellent Android users who frequently work with RAR files
iZip iOS Easy Free with in-app purchases Good iOS users needing comprehensive archive support

Recommendations Based on User Needs

Conclusion

Opening RAR files doesn't have to be complicated, regardless of which platform you're using. While Windows users have traditionally had the most options through software like WinRAR, users of all operating systems now have access to excellent tools for extracting RAR archives.

For Windows users, 7-Zip stands out as the best free option, offering excellent compatibility and performance without cost. Mac users can rely on utilities like The Unarchiver or Keka, which provide seamless integration with macOS. Mobile users aren't left out either, with dedicated apps available for both Android and iOS platforms that handle RAR files efficiently.

When dealing with special cases like split archives, password-protected files, or damaged RARs, the choice of extraction software becomes more important. In these scenarios, tools with more complete RAR support like WinRAR or The Unarchiver may offer better results.

Remember that regardless of which method you choose, the process follows the same basic steps: obtain a compatible extraction tool, open the RAR file with that tool, and extract the contents to your desired location. With the information provided in this guide, you should be able to handle RAR files confidently across any platform or device.

If you encounter specific issues during extraction, refer to the troubleshooting section of this guide for solutions to common problems. And if you work with archives frequently, consider becoming familiar with multiple extraction tools to ensure you're prepared for any archiving scenario you might encounter.

Need help with other archive issues?

Check out our related guides: