WinRAR
WinRAR Download Guide for Windows
WinRAR 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.
What you're downloading
WinRAR is a Windows archiving program made by RARLAB. It is commercial software with an evaluation period rather than a free download, and it is only formally available for Windows — see WinRAR for Windows if you're unsure whether it supports your version.
- Developer
- RARLAB (win.rar GmbH)
- Official download
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- Supported OS
- Windows 11 and Windows 10, 32-bit and 64-bit editions
- License
- Paid, with an unlimited-time evaluation period
Choosing the 64-bit or 32-bit build
RARLAB's download page offers separate 64-bit and 32-bit installers. Nearly every current Windows PC is 64-bit, and that build is the right choice unless you know otherwise. A 32-bit installer is only needed if your Windows installation itself is 32-bit — a 64-bit installer will not run on a 32-bit system at all.
- 1Open SettingsGo to Settings > System > About.
- 2Find System typeLook at the System type field under Device specifications.
- 3Read the resultIt will say something like "64-bit operating system, x64-based processor" or "32-bit operating system, x86-based processor."
| Scenario | Correct build |
|---|---|
| 64-bit Windows 11 or Windows 10 (most PCs) | 64-bit |
| 32-bit Windows installation (older or legacy hardware) | 32-bit |
| Unsure | Check Settings > System > About first |
Portable and no-install options
RARLAB does not distribute an official portable edition of WinRAR — the standard installer above is the only officially supported distribution method. We don't link to or recommend unofficial "portable" repackaged builds found on third-party sites, since these are unauthorized modifications of a commercial program and are a common source of tampered installers and malware.
- On Windows 11, File Explorer can already extract RAR files natively with no software installed at all.
- Free, open-source tools such as 7-Zip are lighter-weight if you need something you can install quickly on a machine you don't own long-term — see WinRAR alternatives.
- For a quick look at an archive's contents without extracting or installing anything, our archive inspector reads the file list locally in your browser.
How releases and licensing work
RARLAB periodically publishes new WinRAR releases with bug fixes and format updates. Every installer, regardless of version, starts under the same evaluation terms described on WinRAR licensing — there is no separate free edition.
Where to get the official installer
Download WinRAR directly from RARLAB's own site: official WinRAR download (external). Avoid search-result ads, forum links, or file-sharing sites claiming to host WinRAR — these are common sources of bundled adware or malware disguised as an installer.
How to verify the installer is legitimate
- 1Check the address barConfirm the URL is the official RARLAB/win-rar.com domain and that the connection uses HTTPS before you click download.
- 2Check the file sizeA genuine WinRAR installer is a few megabytes and matches the size shown on the official download page. A file far smaller or wrapped in an unrelated archive is a red flag.
- 3Check the digital signatureRight-click the downloaded
.exe, choose Properties, and open the Digital Signatures tab. A legitimate installer shows a valid signature tied to the publisher. - 4Scan before runningRun the file through your antivirus or Windows Security scan before opening it, even when it came from the official site.
Installing WinRAR
Once verified, run the installer and follow the prompts. The full walkthrough, including the file-association and shell-integration dialog, is on our installation guide.
Uninstalling WinRAR
If you need to remove it later, use the standard Windows uninstall process described on uninstalling WinRAR to also clear leftover file associations.
Common installation problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| Installer won't launch | Blocked by SmartScreen or antivirus, or download was incomplete | WinRAR installation error |
| "Access denied" during install | Installer needs administrator rights | WinRAR installation error |
| WinRAR opens but won't extract files | Corrupted download or damaged archive, not the installer itself | corrupted RAR file |
| Trial reminder keeps appearing | Normal evaluation-period behavior, not an error | WinRAR licensing |
Frequently asked questions
Is WinRAR safe to download?
Yes, when it comes directly from RARLAB's official site over HTTPS. Verify the file's digital signature and scan it before running, as described above.
Does RareExplorer host the WinRAR installer?
No. We link to the official vendor source only and do not host, mirror, or modify any installer.
Do I need to pay before downloading?
No. The installer runs under an evaluation period first; you are not required to pay to start using it. See [WinRAR licensing](/winrar-license).
Can I install WinRAR without administrator rights?
Standard installation typically requires administrator permission on Windows. See [WinRAR installation](/winrar-installation) for details.
Is there an official portable version of WinRAR?
No. RARLAB only distributes the standard installer. Unofficial "portable" repackaged builds are not something we link to or recommend.
Related guides
- How to Install WinRAR on WindowsInstalling WinRAR takes a few minutes and one dialog worth reading carefully: the file-association and shell-integration screen.
- Is WinRAR Free? What the Trial Really MeansWinRAR is commercial software distributed under an evaluation model, not a free program, though it keeps working after the trial ends.
- How to Uninstall WinRARUninstalling WinRAR uses Windows' standard removal process, but you may also want to reset file associations it took over.
- WinRAR AlternativesIf you want to stop paying for or evaluating WinRAR, several free and paid programs can open and create archives instead. Here is what each one does and does not do.
- 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.
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.