.RAR file extension

To open .RAR files on Windows, install an archive tool that supports RAR extraction (for example WinRAR or 7-Zip).

To open a .rar file, use an archive tool that can extract RAR archives (for example WinRAR on Windows, 7-Zip on Windows/Linux, or The Unarchiver on macOS). Extract the archive to a folder first, then open the extracted files normally.

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Last updated: June 10, 2026 · Reviewed by Julian Stricker

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Open on your device

Choose your operating system for a dedicated step-by-step opening guide.

How to open .RAR files

Use these platform-specific instructions to open .RAR files safely.

Windows

Install an archive tool that supports RAR extraction (for example WinRAR or 7-Zip).
Right-click the .rar file and choose the app’s Extract option (or open the app and select the archive).
Extract to a new folder, then open files from that folder (start from the first volume if it’s a multi-part set).

Full Windows guide

Mac

Install The Unarchiver (or another extractor that supports RAR).
Double-click the .rar file to extract, or open it from within the app.
If it’s multi-part, keep all parts together and open/extract the first part.

Full Mac guide

Linux

Install an extractor that can unpack RAR archives (commonly 7-Zip/p7zip on many distributions).
Use your file manager’s Extract action (if available) or run a terminal extractor command from the folder containing the .rar.
For multi-part archives, ensure all volumes are present and start extraction from the first volume file.

Full Linux guide

iOS

Use a reputable archive app that explicitly supports RAR extraction; if extraction fails (especially for multi-part or password-protected archives), transfer the files to a desktop tool like WinRAR/7-Zip/The Unarchiver.

Full iOS guide

Android

Use a reputable archive app that supports RAR extraction, then extract to a folder and open the extracted files.
If it’s a multi-part set, place all parts in the same folder and start extraction from the first volume.

Full Android guide

Security notes

RAR files can contain executable files and scripts; treat extracted files as untrusted until you verify the source and scan the extracted content.
Be cautious with archives that contain nested archives (RAR inside RAR) or extremely deep folder structures—this can be a red flag for “archive bombs” or attempts to evade scanning.
Because archives are parsed by extractor software, keep your extraction tool updated to reduce risk from malformed archives targeting parser vulnerabilities.
Before extracting, review file names and paths; avoid archives that try to write outside the destination folder (suspicious paths or unexpected system-like locations).

What can hide inside an archive

Compressed packages can contain executables or scripts you only see after extraction. Double extensions and nested archives are common tricks. Scan unexpected downloads before unpacking, and extract to an empty folder so you can review contents safely.

Avast

Avast offers free and premium antivirus software that protects against viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing. Scan files before opening them to ensure safety.

Norton

Norton 360 delivers comprehensive antivirus protection, VPN, and identity theft monitoring. Scan files for threats before opening to keep your device secure.

We may earn a commission when you use affiliate links. This supports our free file extension guides.

Can't open this file?

These are the most common causes and fixes when .RAR files fail to open.

Common reasons

Missing part in a multi-volume RAR
“Unexpected end of archive” or CRC/data error
Wrong password / can’t open password-protected archive
Extractor can’t open the archive (RAR5/compatibility issue)

Fix steps

Make sure you have all parts and that they are all in the same folder.
Start extraction from the first volume (the one marked as the first part).
Re-download any missing volume(s) if the extractor reports a missing part.

OS-specific troubleshooting

What is a .RAR file?

RAR is a proprietary archive format used for data compression and packaging multiple files into one archive. It supports features like multi-volume (split) archives and optional recovery data, and newer archives may use the RAR5 format (RAR version 5). Because it’s proprietary, creation support is more limited than extraction support in many tools.

Background

On desktops, RAR support is common via dedicated archive utilities. On mobile platforms, support depends on the specific app—some can extract RAR archives, but advanced cases like multi-part sets or password-protected archives may be less reliable than on a desktop.

Common MIME types: application/vnd.rar

Common .RAR issues

Missing part in a multi-volume RAR

Split RAR archives require every volume (all parts) to be present; extraction will fail if any part is missing or renamed incorrectly.

Make sure you have all parts and that they are all in the same folder.
Start extraction from the first volume (the one marked as the first part).
Re-download any missing volume(s) if the extractor reports a missing part.

“Unexpected end of archive” or CRC/data error

This usually indicates a corrupted download, damaged storage, or an incomplete multi-part set; extractors may stop partway through.

Re-download the archive (and all volumes, if split) and try again.
Try a different extractor (for example WinRAR vs. 7-Zip) and ensure it’s up to date.
If the archive includes recovery data, try WinRAR’s repair/recovery features where available.

Wrong password / can’t open password-protected archive

RAR archives can be encrypted/password-protected; without the correct password, the content can’t be extracted.

Verify the password exactly (case-sensitive) and watch for extra spaces.
If you copied the password, paste it into a plain text editor first to confirm it’s correct.
If you don’t have the password, request it from the archive source—there is no legitimate way to extract encrypted content without it.

Extractor can’t open the archive (RAR5/compatibility issue)

Some older tools can’t fully handle newer RAR variants (including RAR5), or certain features used in the archive.

Update your extractor to the latest version.
Try an alternative extractor known to support RAR unpacking (such as WinRAR or 7-Zip).
If you’re on mobile and it fails, extract on a desktop system instead.

FAQ

Can 7-Zip open .rar files?

Yes. 7-Zip supports unpacking (extracting) RAR archives.

Why do I have multiple files like .rar, .r00, .r01 (or “part1”, “part2”)?

That’s a multi-volume (split) RAR archive. You need all parts in the same folder and you typically start extraction from the first part.

Is .rar the same as .zip?

They’re both archive formats, but they’re different standards. RAR is proprietary and often needs dedicated tools, while ZIP is more universally supported by operating systems.

What is RAR5?

RAR5 refers to RAR archive format version 5. Some older extractors may not support it well, so using an up-to-date tool can matter.

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