Windows
How to Install WinRAR on Windows 11
Installing WinRAR on Windows 11 takes a few minutes, and knowing what each dialog means makes the process smoother.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Step 1: get the installer from the official source
Download WinRAR only from the official WinRAR download page (external). Avoid third-party download sites, which can bundle unwanted software.
Step 2: choose the right architecture
The download page offers separate 64-bit and 32-bit builds. Nearly all modern Windows 11 PCs are 64-bit; see WinRAR 64-bit versus WinRAR 32-bit if you're unsure which applies to your machine.
Step 3: run the installer
- 1Launch the downloaded fileDouble-click the installer you downloaded.
- 2Confirm the SmartScreen promptWindows may show a SmartScreen warning for a new download; select
More infothenRun anywayonly if you downloaded it from the official site yourself. - 3Choose the install pathAccept the default location unless you have a specific reason to change it.
- 4Set file associationsThe association dialog lets you choose which archive formats WinRAR should open by default; check only the formats you want it to handle.
- 5Choose shell integration optionsPick whether to add context menu entries and a desktop icon.
- 6FinishSelect
OKto complete setup.
Verifying the download
Confirm the installer is digitally signed by checking its file properties (right-click the downloaded .exe, choose Properties, then the Digital Signatures tab) before running it, especially if you downloaded it on a shared network.
Uninstalling
To remove WinRAR later, go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find WinRAR, and select Uninstall. See uninstalling WinRAR for what happens to file associations afterward.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Is WinRAR free on Windows 11?
WinRAR is paid software distributed with an unlimited-time evaluation, so it keeps working after the trial period without hard-locking, but a license is required for continued legitimate use. See [WinRAR license](/winrar-license).
Why does Windows 11 show a SmartScreen warning when I install WinRAR?
SmartScreen flags newly downloaded executables it hasn't seen widely yet. If you downloaded the file from the official WinRAR site yourself, it's expected and safe to proceed.
Should I choose 64-bit or 32-bit WinRAR?
Nearly all current Windows 11 systems are 64-bit. See [WinRAR 64-bit](/winrar-64-bit) for how to confirm your system type.
Related guides
- 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 on Windows 11Windows 11 can open RAR files without any extra software, but WinRAR still adds features that Windows' built-in support doesn't cover.
- How to Install WinRAR on WindowsInstalling WinRAR takes a few minutes and one dialog worth reading carefully: the file-association and shell-integration screen.
- How to Uninstall WinRARUninstalling WinRAR uses Windows' standard removal process, but you may also want to reset file associations it took over.
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.