You need software that reads RAR format — Windows and Mac don't do it built-in
RAR files are compressed archives, like ZIP files, but they use a different compression method. Your operating system won't open them without additional software. On Windows, you'll need a third-party program. Mac and Linux users face the same requirement. The most common options are WinRAR (paid, Windows and Mac), 7-Zip (free, Windows only), and The Unarchiver (free, Mac only).
The fastest route depends on what you already have installed and your operating system. If you're on Windows and want to avoid buying software, 7-Zip is free and handles RAR files reliably. If you're on Mac, The Unarchiver is free and integrates into Finder. If you use both Windows and Mac, WinRAR works on both but costs money.
Key Takeaways
- Windows does not open RAR files without additional software; 7-Zip and WinRAR are the most common choices.
- Mac users can download The Unarchiver for free from the App Store and open RAR files directly from Finder.
- Linux users can install the unar package or use the command line with unrar, both free options.
- Once you install the software, right-click the RAR file and select "Extract" or "Open with" to unpack it.
Opening RAR files on Windows
7-Zip is the most popular free option on Windows. Download it from the 7-zip.org website, run the installer, and restart your computer. After installation, right-click any RAR file, hover over "7-Zip," and select "Extract Here" to unpack the contents into the same folder, or "Extract to [filename]\" to create a new folder first.
WinRAR is the official RAR software and costs around $29 for a perpetual license, though it offers a 40-day trial. It works the same way: right-click the RAR file and select "Extract Here" or "Extract to." WinRAR also lets you create RAR files if you need to compress things yourself, which 7-Zip cannot do.
If you prefer not to install anything, you can upload the RAR file to an online extraction service like ezyzip.com or b1.org, extract it in your browser, and download the contents. This works but is slower and requires uploading your file to someone else's server.
Opening RAR files on Mac
The Unarchiver is free and available on the Mac App Store. Search for "The Unarchiver," install it, and it will automatically become the default handler for RAR files. After that, double-click any RAR file and it will extract automatically into the same folder.
If you prefer not to use the App Store, you can download The Unarchiver directly from theunarchiver.com. The process is the same: install it, then double-click RAR files to extract them. Some older Macs may need to grant permission the first time you run it.
WinRAR also works on Mac if you already own a license or want to buy one. Download it from rarlab.com, install it, and use it the same way as on Windows. The main reason to choose WinRAR on Mac is if you also need to create RAR files, since The Unarchiver only extracts.
Opening RAR files on Linux
Most Linux distributions include command-line tools for RAR files. Open a terminal, navigate to the folder containing the RAR file, and type unrar x filename.rar to extract it. If the unrar command is not found, install it with your package manager: sudo apt install unrar on Ubuntu or Debian, or sudo yum install unrar on Fedora and CentOS.
If you prefer a graphical interface, install the unar package instead: sudo apt install unar on Ubuntu or Debian. Then type unar filename.rar in the terminal to extract. Some desktop environments like GNOME also include built-in archive managers that can handle RAR files if you install the unrar package first.
What to do if extraction fails
RAR files sometimes fail to extract if the archive is corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading the file again from the source. If the file is very large, a partial download can cause extraction errors. Check the file size against what the sender reported.
Some RAR files are split across multiple parts, named filename.part1.rar, filename.part2.rar, and so on. You must have all parts in the same folder before extracting. Select the first part, right-click, and extract — the software will automatically read all the parts and combine them.
If the RAR file is password-protected, the extraction software will prompt you for a password. Ask the sender for the password if you don't have it. There is no way to recover a lost password from a RAR file.
Comparing extraction software
| Software | Windows | Mac | Linux | Cost | Create RAR files |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Zip | Yes | No | No | Free | No |
| WinRAR | Yes | Yes | No | $29 | Yes |
| The Unarchiver | No | Yes | No | Free | No |
| unrar (command line) | No | No | Yes | Free | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a RAR file without installing software?
Yes, you can upload it to an online extraction service like ezyzip.com or b1.org and download the extracted contents from your browser. This works on any device but is slower and requires uploading your file to a third-party server. For files you plan to extract often, installing software is faster.
What's the difference between RAR and ZIP?
Both are compressed archives, but RAR typically compresses files more efficiently, resulting in smaller file sizes. ZIP is more universal — Windows, Mac, and Linux all open ZIP files without additional software. RAR requires extra software but is common for large downloads and multi-part archives.
Do I need to keep the RAR file after extracting?
No. Once you extract the contents, you have the original files in a regular folder. You can delete the RAR file if you don't need it anymore. Keep it only if you want to save disk space or need to send the compressed version to someone else.
Why won't my RAR file extract?
The file may be corrupted, incomplete, or split across multiple parts. Try downloading it again. If it's a multi-part archive, make sure all parts (filename.part1.rar, filename.part2.rar, etc.) are in the same folder before extracting. If it's password-protected, you need the correct password.
Can I create RAR files on my computer?
Only with WinRAR, which costs $29. 7-Zip and The Unarchiver can only extract RAR files, not create them. If you just need to compress files, ZIP format is free and works on all operating systems without additional software.