If you are wondering how to open RAR files then you can start with File Explorer on a supported Windows 11 version. If you are looking to browse the contents of an archive or are using Windows 10 then you can install WinRAR or the free 7-Zip application. These tools allow you to select files that you want to extract.

Table of Contents Hide
      1. How RAR Files Work?
      2. Open RAR Files on Windows: All Methods
      3. Open RAR Files on Mac : All Methods
      4. What If a RAR File Has Password?
      5. Useful Tips
      6. Conclusion
      7. FAQs

RAR archives bundle files and folders together into one compressed file which makes them so useful to download and online sharing. However native Windows tools differ in their RAR support so this guide explains how to open RAR files on Windows and Mac using three practical options. After that we will cover how to save the contents to a folder and then what to do when an archive asks for a password. Additionally, read this if you want to recover RAR file password.

How Does a RAR File Work?

A RAR file stores multiple files or folders together in one compressed archive. But before deciding how to open RAR files you should know that opening just displays the archive’s contents. Extracting RAR files actually copies those files into a regular folder.

Windows 11 version 24H2 and later supports RAR extraction directly within File Explorer but it does not support encrypted archives because of that Windows 10 users and anyone dealing with password protected files will generally need to use WinRAR or 7-Zip instead.

All Methods to Open and Extract RAR Files on Windows

Your best choice depends on which Windows version you are running and whether you want to browse before extracting anything. So if you are deciding how to open RAR files then File Explorer is great for quick extractions on newer systems. But WinRAR and 7-Zip give you complete freedom to inspect and browse your files first.

Method 1: Use File Explorer on Windows 11

If you are using Windows 11 version 24H2 or newer then File Explorer can extract supported RAR archives but it lacks the browsing controls in WinRAR or 7-Zip. If you are searching how to open RAR files on Windows 11 without another app make sure to check your version first.

  1. Press Windows key + E on your keyboard so you can launch File Explorer.
  2. Search for the folder where your .rar file is stored.
  3. Right click on the file and click on Extract All. The option may vary by build and archive.
  4. Choose your target destination folder when the prompt appears and then go ahead and click Extract.
  5. Open the destination folder to view and use the extracted files.

Note: If you don’t see the Extract All option or if your file is encrypted then you will need to use WinRAR or 7-Zip.

Method 2: Open the File With WinRAR

WinRAR is a great choice. It lets you browse through everything inside an archive before you actually extract it. It works for users who are wondering how to open RAR files on Windows 10 and for Windows 11. It is a useful method if you want more control over your files.

  1. Download WinRAR from its official website. When the download is finished then install it.
  2. Now locate the RAR archive in File Explorer.
  3. Right click the file and choose Open with WinRAR. If you don’t see that option then simply open WinRAR from the Start menu and browse to the file from there.
  4. The WinRAR window displays the files and folders stored inside the archive.
  5. To save items select them and click Extract To and choose a destination folder then click OK.

Method 3: View RAR Contents With 7-Zip

7-Zip is a free application for browsing and extracting RAR files and if you are searching how to open RAR files on Windows for free you must try this method.

  1. Download 7-Zip from its official website. After that install the version that matches your PC.
  2. In File Explorer right click the RAR file. On Windows 11 choose Show more options if it is needed.
  3. Select 7-Zip and choose Open archive so you can view the file list.
  4. Select the specific files you want and click Extract or you can choose Extract Here or Extract to [folder name] from the context menu.
  5. Select a destination if the prompt appears. Then open that folder when the process finishes.

All Methods to Open RAR Files on Mac

Choose an app or command-line method.

#1: Extract RAR Files Using The Unarchiver (Easiest & Free)

The Unarchiver is a free RAR extractor for Mac and you can open RAR files using it through Finder instead of using Terminal. It is a quick way to open RAR files on Mac.

  1. Download The Unarchiver from its official website. You can also use the Mac App Store. Once downloading is complete install it.
  2. Open Finder and locate the .rar file.
  3. Control click it & choose Open With then select The Unarchiver. If needed choose Other and find the app.
  4. Choose a destination if prompted. Enter the password if the archive asks for it.
  5. Open the destination folder to view the extracted files.

After extraction check the folder where the app saved the files.

This method can extract RAR files on Mac including multi part archives when all required parts are present.

#2: Open RAR Files on Mac Using WinZip

WinZip can open RAR files on Mac and extract their contents. Follow these steps to extract RAR files using WinZip.

  1. Install and launch WinZip for Mac.
  2. Double click the archive in Finder. You can also Control click it and choose the WinZip option under Services.
  3. View the contents and select the files you want or choose the full archive.
  4. Click Unzip then choose a destination on your Mac and confirm.
  5. Open the destination folder to access the files.

Choose a destination in WinZip to extract RAR files on Mac. It may ask for the password before extracting an encrypted archive.

#3: Extract RAR File Using Terminal (For Advanced Users)

Terminal needs a utility compatible with RAR to extract its archives. macOS does not extract all RAR files on its own. The unar tool can be found through Homebrew. When installed it will let you open RAR files on Mac from the folder with the archive.

  1. Open Terminal from Applications > Utilities.
  2. If Homebrew is installed on your computer type brew install unar into Terminal.
  3. For an archive in Downloads enter cd ~/Downloads.
  4. Run unar “example.rar” replacing the example name with your file’s name.
  5. Follow any password prompt and check the output folder.

What If a RAR File Has a Password?

Encrypted RAR files ask for a password when you try to open them. If you do not have the password for a file you want to access, you need to find that first. Users searching how to open RAR files after they lost the password may need a recovery option.
SysTools RAR Password Recovery is a best choice to find the exact password. This tool is recommended by experts.

Here are four steps to follow. Start by downloading it on your PC.