WinRAR

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WinRAR is one of those applications that can never go missing on your computer: thanks to this tool you can zip and unzip files in different formats

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Zip and unzip files in Windows

February 28, 2024
9 / 10

How to zip and unzip files in Windows shouldn't be a major issue for you if you download WinRAR for PC. This is one of the most popular tools to work with zipped files as it's almost an essential tool on any computer.

As you already know, you can reduce the size and weight of any file, email attachment or any other documents you have to upload or download from the Internet. And it's obviously not the only program of this nature: WinZip, 7-Zip, IZArc... but this is one of the most powerful and versatile solutions.

Compatible with different compression formats

Although its name refers to the RAR format it isn't the only one it can work with. In fact, it can open files with other extensions such as ARJ, CAB, JAR, ISO, TAR, JAR, ISO, ZIP or 7z. Nowadays, it's a must since any file you download from uTorrent, Mega or by email is probably zipped.

Main features

Among the program's main features and functions we have to point out the following that you will encounter once you download WinRAR for PC:

  • Zip and unzip files in RAR and ZIP format.
  • Compatible with many other compression formats like CAB, ARJ, TAR, JAR, ISO, 7z, BZ2 and many more.
  • Support for security attributes and data flows in NTFS files.
  • Protect compressed files with a password encrypted using 25-bit AES and digital signatures.
  • Block the files to avoid manipulation or eliminate important data more securely.
  • Handle files of large size.
  • Easy to use.
  • Includes an assistant, known as Wizard mode to instantly check the basic functions of the program.
  • Create self-booting and multivolume files.
  • Check the file's integrity.
  • Virus scanning.
  • Possibility to add comments.

Why would I want to zip a file or pack of documents?

Apart from saving space (which will depend on the type of file that you're working with, not all files suffer the same compression), you should be interested in zipping your files for security and privacy reasons. You can encrypt any document by means of a password and digital signatures so that only people who know that password can access the original document.

WinRAR, available in multiple languages

These two features have made it one of the most popular programs among millions of users: available in dozens of languages and optimized for all kinds of processors, which makes it suitable to be installed on Windows XP, 7 or 10.

But also other features, such as its integration into the contextual menu of our operating system or the verification of corrupt files: if you work with a file that has any kind of problem, this tool will warn you.

What's new in the latest version?

  • Can now extract .zst and .zipx files.
  • Adds support for the contextual menus of Windows 11 Explorer.
  • No longer compatible with Windows XP.
Elies Guzmán

With a degree in History, and later, in Documentation, I have over a decade of experience testing and writing about apps: reviews, guides, articles, news, tricks, and more. They have been countless, especially on Android, an operating system...

Antony Peel

Antony Peel

Features

WinRAR Tips & Tricks

  • How to open RAR files in Windows

    In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about RAR files in Windows. We show you what they are, what they are used for, the main differences between RAR and ZIP files, and what steps you must follow to see their contents. In addition, we have included all (or at least the most common) methods for decompressing RAR files in Windows 11. Do not miss it!

  • What is WinRAR and what is it for

    In this guide, we tell you all about WinRAR, one of the most popular compression and decompression tools for Windows. We will explain exactly what this program is, what RAR files are, and what is this program license. In addition, we show you the steps to follow to compress and decompress files using WinRAR.

  • How to split a file with WinRAR

    WinRAR helps you group, and then, divide several files into different volumes. You can also use this method to split a single file. To start, select the documents you want to add to the RAR compressed folder and click Add.

  • How to reduce the size of a file using WinRAR
  • How to compress files to the max using WinRAR