Windows
How to Extract a Password-Protected RAR File
Extracting a password-protected RAR file requires the correct password; without it, there's no built-in way to recover the contents.
A password-protected RAR archive encrypts its contents so that extraction requires the correct password. See password-protected RAR files for how this encryption works generally; this guide covers the extraction steps themselves.
Extracting with the password
- 1Right-click the RAR file and choose ExtractUse File Explorer's native option on Windows 11, or your extraction tool's Extract command.
- 2Enter the password when promptedYou'll see a password dialog before extraction proceeds.
- 3Wait for extraction to completeIf the password is correct, files extract normally.
Encrypted file names
Some password-protected archives encrypt only the file contents, leaving the list of file names visible before you enter a password. Others use full header encryption, hiding file names, sizes, and folder structure until the correct password is supplied. If you can't even see what's inside the archive without a password, it likely uses this stronger option.
If you've lost the password
If the archive isn't password-protected but still won't open, the issue is more likely corruption or a missing multi-part volume — see RAR file not opening.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the archive ask for a password I don't recognize?
The person who created it set one, deliberately or as an organizational default. Check any communication that came with the file.
Can 7-Zip open a password-protected RAR file?
Yes, as long as you have the correct password. 7-Zip will prompt for it during extraction.
Are file names always hidden until I enter the password?
No. Some archives only encrypt file contents and show names openly; others encrypt headers too, hiding names until the password is entered.
Can I recover a lost RAR password?
There's no supported recovery method through standard archive tools. This guide doesn't cover cracking tools; try to obtain the password from its original source instead.
Related guides
- Password-Protected and Encrypted RAR ArchivesA password-protected RAR archive uses encryption to keep its contents unreadable without the correct password — there is no legitimate shortcut around one you don't know.
- How to Open a Multi-Part RAR ArchiveA multi-part RAR archive is one archive split across several files; you extract it by opening the first volume with every other volume present.
- Why Won't My RAR File Open?Work through these causes in order, from most to least common. Most RAR files that "won't open" are fixed at the first or second step.
- How to Extract a RAR FileExtracting a RAR archive turns its compressed contents back into normal, usable files. Here's how to do it correctly across platforms.
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