Windows
How to Install WinRAR on Windows 10
Installing WinRAR on Windows 10 follows the same basic process as Windows 11, with a few differences worth knowing beforehand.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
What's different on Windows 10
- No native RAR support beforehand — unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 cannot open any RAR file until WinRAR (or another extractor) is installed. There's no fallback to fall back on.
- ZIP already works — Windows 10's built-in ZIP handling continues to function independently; installing WinRAR just gives you an additional, more capable option for ZIP as well as RAR.
- Older or 32-bit hardware is more common — some Windows 10 machines still run 32-bit installations; check before downloading. See WinRAR 32-bit versus WinRAR 64-bit.
Installation steps
- 1Download from the official sourceUse the official WinRAR download page (external).
- 2Confirm your system typeCheck
Settings > System > AboutforSystem typeto pick 64-bit or 32-bit correctly. - 3Run the installerApprove any User Account Control prompt that appears.
- 4Set file associationsChoose which formats, including
.rarand.zip, WinRAR should handle by default. - 5Choose shell integrationDecide whether to add right-click menu entries.
- 6Finish setupSelect
OKto close the installer.
After installing
Test the install by right-clicking any RAR file and confirming an extract option now appears. If it doesn't, see Windows RAR file problems for association troubleshooting.
Uninstalling
Remove WinRAR through Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, or Settings > Apps, depending on your Windows 10 build. See uninstalling WinRAR for details.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Can Windows 10 open any RAR file before installing WinRAR?
No. Windows 10 has no built-in RAR support at all, so nothing happens (or an error appears) if you double-click a RAR file first.
How do I know if my Windows 10 PC is 32-bit or 64-bit?
Check `Settings > System > About` and look at `System type`. Most PCs from the last decade are 64-bit.
Will installing WinRAR affect my existing ZIP file handling?
It can, if you choose to associate WinRAR with `.zip` during setup. You can leave ZIP files associated with Windows's own handler if you prefer, by unchecking that format in the association dialog.
Related guides
- WinRAR on Windows 10Windows 10's File Explorer has no built-in ability to open RAR files, so a program like WinRAR is required to extract them.
- WinRAR Download Guide for WindowsWinRAR is only distributed as a program you install; getting it safely means downloading from RARLAB's official site and confirming the installer is genuine before you run it.
- WinRAR 32-bitThe 32-bit WinRAR build exists mainly for older or specialized Windows installations that can't run 64-bit software.
- Windows RAR File Problems and FixesMost RAR problems on Windows trace back to a handful of platform-specific causes rather than the archive itself.
WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.