How to Open RAR Files on Windows and Mobile

Last Updated : 6 May, 2026

A RAR (Roshal Archive) file is a compressed archive that combines multiple files and folders into a smaller package. RAR files help save disk space and speed up file transfers. They also support advanced features like:

Password protection
File repair and recovery
Splitting large files into smaller parts

How to Open a RAR File on Windows

Method 1: Using File Explorer

Navigate to the location of the RAR file on your Windows computer.
Right-click on that file, then pick "Extract All" from the options listed.

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Select the location where you want to extract by clicking on the browse button.
Then, On the bottom click on "Extract"

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After a few your extracted file will be shown on the chosen location

Method 2: Using WinRAR

WinRAR is a widely used tool for opening and creating RAR files. It offers better compression, security options, and archive management.

Download and install the Win RAR from their official website.

https://www.win-rar.com/start.html

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Now navigate to the location of the RAR file on your Windows computer.
Click on the file with your right mouse button. Move your cursor over "Open With". From the list, select "WinRAR Archiver".

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On the top left click on "Extract To"
Now browse the location where you want to extract the file

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Press the OK button to proceed

How to Open a RAR File on Mobile

Opening and working with RAR files needs extra tools on Android. Third-party applications provide that useful ability. They let you unzip archived files with ease. But that's not all - you can also make new RAR packages too!

Open the Play Store or App Store on your mobile phone
On the app store search bar type "Win RAR" or just "RAR" then click on the "Install" button to download the application.

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Open the application then navigate to the location of the RAR file on your mobile phone.
Press and hold on the file then from the menu select "Extract Files..."

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