Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Have you been searching for a way to open RAR files in Windows 11? This guide gives you three ways to do this.
Option 1: Open RAR Files with 7-Zip
The first method I will teach you in this guide is to open RAR files with 7-zip. The steps below give you a detailed approach to this method:
- Open 7-Zip.org from a browser on your computer.
- When the web page opens, click the Download link of the version and edition of the RAR file you want to install. If you are not certain which edition to download, download the 32-bits.
- Open the folder where the 7-Zip installer was saved and double-click the file.
- You will receive a User Account Control prompt requesting permission to make changes to your PC. Click Yes to proceed.
- Then, on the 7-Zip installation screen, NOTE the Destination folder and click Install.
- Once the installation is successful, click close.
- To open a RAR file on your Windows 11 PC, open the location of the file and right-click it. Then, select Open with.
- Furthermore, click the Choose another app option.
- Then, on the How do you want to open this file screen, click on More apps.
- On the list of apps displayed, scroll down and select Look for another app on this PC.
- Then, navigate to the Destination folder where 7-Zip was installed. On the destination folder, select 7zFM and click Open.
- On the top left of the 7-Zip menu, click Extract.
- Next, on the Copy to pop-up screen, note the folder path and click OK
- Finally, open the folder you extracted the RAR file. Then, click on the sub folder with the name of the file you extracted.
- Open the sub folder to access your RAR file.
Option 2: Open RAR Files with WinRAR
Moving on, you can also open RAR files with WinRAR. Shown below are the steps to achieve this task:
- To begin with, open Win-RAR.com from a web browser on your PC.
- On the right corner of the WinRAR page, click Download WinRAR.
- Then, when the download page opens, click on Download WinRAR to proceed. The download should be almost instantaneous.
- Navigate to the folder where the file was downloaded and click on it.
- You will receive a User Control Account confirmation prompt requesting permission, click Yes to continue.
- On the WinRAR installation screen, note the Destination folder and click Install.
- Then, on the WinRAR Setup screen, go through the page, make necessary adjustments, then click OK to proceed.
- On the final WinRAR Setup screen, click Done
- Open the folder with your RAR file, right-click the file, and hover on WinRAR. Then, select Extract to <RAR-file-Name>.
- WinRAR will extract your RAR file to a new folder with the same name as the name of the original RAR file. Open the folder to see the content of your RAR file.
Option 3: Open RAR Files Online (Extract.Me)
The last two methods we discussed so far in this article all involved downloading and installing software. However, this method does not require you to install any software.
Popular on Amazon
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Here are the steps:
- To start with, open Extract.me from a web browser on your computer. Then, on the Extract.me page click on Choose a file from your computer.
- Navigate to the folder that contains your RAR file and highlight the file. Then at the right of the window, click Open.
- Wait for the online tool to complete the extraction.
- After the extraction, click Save all as ZIP.
- The Zip file will be saved to the default download folder on your PC.
- Open your computer’s default download folder and locate the Zip file. Then, right-click the file and select Extract All.
- Then, on the right of the Extract Compression (Zipped) folders screen, click Extract.
- Moving on, to see the contents of your original RAR file, open the content of the extracted folder. Just so you know, the content of your RAR file will be in the last folder.
Frequently Asked Questions
Windows 11 does not have any built-in app or tools to extract or open RAR files. However, you can install WinRAR or 7-Zip to open RAR files on your PC.
You can open RAR files on your Windows 11 PC with programs like WinRAR and 7-Zip.
No, it is not. However, WinRAR has 40 days free trial.
Afterward, you are expected to buy a license to continue using the app.
Also popular on Amazon
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
WinRAR from the publisher’s site is safe to use.
No, it isn’t. WinRAR is not a virus.
On the contrary, the application is used to copy files into a compressed archive.
Conclusion
Since its introduction in the 1990s, RAR has become a commonly used compression format. To give more details, the format has been used over the years, and it is sometimes preferred over the ZIP format.
This is because RAR files are usually smaller in size, and has a higher compression ratio. Also, the format has its own compression algorithm that is used by other compressors.
Also popular on Amazon
- 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *（Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.）*
- 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
- 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
- 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
- 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.
Moreover, their usually small size makes RAR files easy to upload and download large files. As a result of its relative importance, this article gave you three methods to open RAR files on your Windows 11 PC.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Specifically, this guide showed you how to open RAR files on Windows 11 with 7-Zip, and WinRAR.
That’s not all, I also showed you how to open RAR files online.
Also popular on Amazon
- High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
- Plug-and-play expandability
- Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
- SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)
I hope you found this guide helpful. If you did, click on “Yes” beside the “Was this page helpful” question below. You may also express your thoughts and opinions by using the “Leave a Comment” form at the bottom of this page.
Finally, to get more Windows 11 guides, visit our Windows 11 How-To page.
