How to open a RAR file? The most detailed instructions! How to open a ZIP, RAR, ISO file - unpack with and without an archiver Without archiving

WinRAR is the current Russian version (32 and 64-bit) of one of the most popular archivers for Windows, characterized by the highest degree of data compression combined with high performance and powerful functionality. WinRAR works with the vast majority of currently known data compression formats and is ideal for creating and effectively managing archives.

The main features of the program include the following:

• Data compression (creation of archives) in RAR and Zip formats;
• Decompression (data extraction) from files of such formats as: 7z, ACE, BZIP2, ARJ, JAR, TAR, LZH, GZ, CAB, UUE, etc.;
• There is the possibility of AES – archive encryption;
• Encoding the source into self-extracting, continuous and multi-volume archives;
• Adding to archives created using WinRAR additional information, which is necessary to restore archives in case of damage;

...and other functionality.

Working with WinRar is simple and convenient; after installation, the archiver is built into context menu Windows Explorer, thereby allowing you to create and retrieve data from archives in just a few clicks.

For example, to create a RAR or ZIP archive using WinRAR, you just need to select the file on your computer that you want to compress, for which you need to select the file, and by right-clicking on the selected file, select “Add to” from the menu that opens archive...", then a menu for managing archive parameters will open, where you can select the compression method and the required archive type - ZIP or RAR. If you need to create a RAR archive, then simply click “OK”, and for , you need to select the appropriate option, then also click “OK”.

Please note that WinRAR is a shareware program. Within 40 days from the moment of installation, Winrar can be used absolutely free of charge and without any restrictions. After the trial period ends, you must purchase a license or refuse to continue using WinRAR. You can also use any free archiver, for example or.

Download WinRAR for free, without registration.

WinRAR is one of the most popular archivers for Windows, characterized by the highest degree of data compression combined with high performance

Version: WinRAR 5.80

Size: 3.01 / 3.27 MB

Operating system: Windows

Russian language

Program status: Shareware

Developer: RARLab

What's new in version: List of changes

Surely every Windows user is familiar with the concept of “archive file” or simply “archive”, as well as “archiving”. Archiving is the process of compressing a file and placing it in another file with a special extension, from which you can then extract the contents (unzip or unzip).

Archives are a very useful thing. They help save disk space and make it more convenient to transfer or send large numbers of files. IN modern world, where in any electronics store you can buy for relatively affordable money HDD for 4 TB, the issue of saving space through archiving is no longer so relevant. The time spent compressing and decompressing large volumes of files is often simply not worth the amount the user saves on archiving. Of course, for long-term storage of large files, an archiver will help save a significant amount of memory, but in everyday tasks archives are most often used precisely to simplify the transfer and sending of files. It’s much easier to copy to a flash drive or send by mail 1 large file instead of 200 small ones.

Exist different ways archiving and applications for working with archives. You can even work in them without any additional software at all. Let's take a look at some of these applications.

How to archive a file or folder without programs

Since the days of Windows Vista in the operating system Microsoft system built-in simple archiver that can work with ZIP archives. You can both pack and unpack files and you don’t need to download additional programs to do this.

note: Not all files are compressed equally efficiently. For example, trying to compress videos will have virtually no effect, so there is no point in archiving them to save space.

How to unpack an archive in Windows without programs

Your archive must be in ZIP format, as this is the only format supported by the system without additional programs. Simply open the archive as a regular folder and copy files from it. Alternatively, right-click on the archive and select Extract all, and then tell the system where to place the unpacked files. As you can see, everything works as simply as possible.

The built-in Windows archiver is perfect for those who need to quickly archive a file or folder without applications, without paying attention to compression parameters, archive password, its format, encryption algorithm, and so on. Simplicity makes the difference in this case. Unfortunately, the disadvantage of the archiver in Windows Explorer is the inability to change any of the parameters. The archives will always be in ZIP format; you will not be able to protect them with a password or change the level of protection. If you need to change these settings, you will have to use third-party applications.

How to zip a file or folder in 7zip

7zip is our favorite program for working with archives. Simple, free, functional, small and effective. You can download 7zip from the official website for free. The installation procedure takes place in one click and takes a few seconds.

After installation, open the files or folder in Explorer that you want to archive, right-click on them and select 7 zip – Add to archive.

A window will open where you can set archiving parameters. As you can see, there are many more settings for archiving here than in standard Windows Explorer. You already have access to the choice of archive format (7z is used by default), compression level, number of threads, the option of splitting the archive into parts, creating an SFX archive (it is also called a self-extracting archive, capable of extracting files without the need for archivers) and even setting a protected password encryption.

If you are a beginner, pay attention first to the parameter Compression level. The higher the level, the more space you'll save, but the computer will spend more time compressing. You can also select one of the formats in the list Archive format. Tip: the 7z format compresses files more efficiently than others when archiving.

To then unpack the file on a computer without archivers at all (very old PCs, for example, that don’t even have a built-in archiver), use SFX archiving, which will pack the files into an executable exe file.

Warning: Be very careful with SFX archives, since self-extracting archives from unknown sources often contain viruses. Make sure you trust the source of the file and always keep your antivirus enabled.

If you need to protect files inside the archive, set a password in the box Encryption. In this case, to gain access to the contents of the archive, you will need to enter a password. By the way, this is one of the methods to put a password on a folder. You pack the files into a ZIP archive, after which you can open the archive like any folder, but the system will require a password to open or copy the files.

The disadvantages of the 7zip archiver include the inability to create rar archives, which are very popular among users of the WinRAR archiver. Although 7zip can work with RAR files (and a large number of other archive formats), it cannot create RAR archives. Otherwise, 7zip is an ideal application for working with archives, which will satisfy the needs of almost every user.

How to unzip a 7zip file

The principle is the same as for archiving. Right-click on the archive and select 7 zip – Open archive. After that, simply drag its contents onto the folder window where you want to extract the files.

How to archive a file or folder in WinRAR

WinRAR is essentially the same application as 7zip (if you don’t delve into deeper nuances), only it can work with RAR files (but does not support creating 7z archives). A big disadvantage of WinRAR for some will be the fact that this archiver is paid and you need to buy a license to use it. You can try the demo version to get acquainted with its features.

1. Go to the official WinRAR website and click Download WinRAR.
2. Install the application, after which the same items as for 7zip will appear in the context menu. The principle of working with WinRAR is exactly the same as with its free counterpart. Just right-click on a file or folder and select WinRAR - Add to archive. After that, select the archive format, compression level and other necessary parameters.
3. Wait for the archiving procedure to complete.

In this article, we only briefly described the principle of archiving files using the example of two applications. Their capabilities will be more than enough to work with the vast majority of common archive formats. If you wish, you can study the possibilities in more detail 7zipor WinRAR(did you know that these applications can be used to benchmark the processor?), but this is a topic for a separate article.

In this lesson you will learn about archiver programs, you will be able to download one of these programs and install it on your computer, and you will also learn how to archive files and retrieve them from the archive.

What is an archiver

An archiver is something like this special program, with which you can archive files (folders with files) and retrieve them from the archive. In other words, it is a program that helps you compress files and package them for easier sending by email.

Now we will check whether such a program exists on your computer.

To do this, open any folder, for example, “Documents” or “ Local disk D". Right click on any file or any folder inside. A menu will open. If, among other things, there is an item “Add to archive” or an item “7 Zip”, then you have an archiver program on your computer.

And if you don’t see anything similar, then most likely it doesn’t exist on your computer. But it doesn't matter. A little later we will download a free archiver and install it on your computer. But first, let's talk about what they are.

What types of archivers are there?

Like most programs, archivers can be paid or free. That is, those that can be legally and completely free of charge downloaded from the Internet and installed on your computer, and those for which you need to pay money. If, when you checked whether such a program was installed on your computer, you saw items that begin with the words “Add to archive” (or “Add to”), then a paid archiver is installed on your computer. It's called WinRaR.

And if, when checking, you found item 7 Zip, then a free archiver is installed on your computer.

WinRaR is an excellent, very convenient program, but, alas, it is paid. If it is on your computer, then there are two options: either you don’t need to pay for it and you can use it as much as you like, or after some time it will stop working. We'll check this a little later. And if it turns out that you have an “inferior” version, then it makes sense to download and install the free 7 Zip archiver.

How to archive files/folders (WinRaR)

Now let's move on to practice. Now we will learn how to compress files and folders using the WinRaR program. If you have the 7 Zip program installed on your computer, then feel free to go below - there is information for you. If you have neither one nor the other, then even lower :)

As you may have guessed, we are interested in items that begin with the words “Add to archive.”

We need the second item in this series. For me it’s called “Add to “Folder.rar” to the archive.” You will have almost the same item, only instead of “Folder.rar” the name of your file (folder) .rar will be written.

Now let's see how much the size has decreased. Right-click on the file or folder you compressed. From the list, select “Properties”.

Now right-click on the new archive file and select “Properties”.

But this doesn't always happen. For example, if you compress photos, videos or music this way, the size may remain the same or change very slightly. To compress photos, music and videos, other programs are used, not archivers.

Now let’s learn how to unarchive, that is, get information from archives.

Actually, you don't have to do this. Try just opening the archive file. Inside you will see what has been archived. And it opens completely calmly. But still it is not very convenient. Therefore, it is better to pull out information from the archive.

Close the window and right-click on this file. We are interested in two similar items - “Extract to current folder” (or “Extract Here”) and “Extract to some name" (or "Extract to some name»).

If, when you opened the archive, there was one file or one folder in the middle of the window, then click “Extract Here”. And if there were several files (folders), click “Extract to some name"(Extract to some name).

That's all. After you click on the desired item, the files or folders will be extracted and the archive can be deleted.

Now let's find out which version of the WinRaR program you have - the one that will stop working over time, or the one that will work constantly.

To do this, we need to open any archive file. When it opens, in this window, click on “Help” or “Help” (at the top) and select “About...” from the list.

A small window will appear. If it says “40 days trial copy”, then this means that your program will stop working in the near future. It makes sense to download a free archiving program (read about this below).

And if this window says “Owner of the copy” or “Registered to”, then the program will work - you don’t have to worry, you don’t have to download anything. And there is no need to read further either.

How to Zip and Unzip Files/Folders (7 Zip)

A free archiver is installed on your computer (how to determine this was discussed just above). It's called 7 Zip. And now we will learn how to use it.

First, let's learn how to archive files and folders. This is done very simply. Right-click on a file or folder with files. The following list will appear.

We are interested in item 7 Zip. Point it at him. An additional list will appear. In this list we are only interested in one item, in my example it is called “Add to “Folder.zip””.

Instead of “Folder.zip” you will have a different name, but also with the ending .zip

Click on this item. Perhaps a window like this will appear for a while. Wait for it to disappear.

Now look carefully at the files and folders. Should appear new file. It will look something like this:

This is the file or folder that you archived.

Now let's see how much the size has decreased. Right-click on the file or folder you compressed. From the list, select “Properties”.

A new window will appear. Remember the size and close it.

Now right-click on the new archive file and select “Properties”.

Most likely, its size will be smaller than the size of the original file (folder).

But this doesn't always happen. For example, if you compress photos, videos or music this way, the size may remain the same or change very slightly. To reduce it, completely different programs are used.

Now let’s learn how to unzip, that is, get files and folders.

Actually, you don't have to do this. Try just opening the archive. Inside you will see the files and folders that have been added to it. And they open quite calmly. But still it is not very convenient. Therefore, it is better to pull information from the archives. After all, at any moment you can return it back, just as we did above.

Before you extract information from an archive file, open it.

An unusual window will open. Look in the middle - it shows files or folders that are hidden in the archive. That is, if we unzip it, then these files (folders) will come out.

Close the window and right-click on this file. In the list, point to “7 Zip”. An additional list will appear. We are interested in two similar items - “Extract Here” and “Extract to some name\" (Extract to some name\).

If, when you opened the archive, there was one file or one folder in the middle of the window, then click “Extract Here”. And if there were several files (folders), then “Extract to some name\" (Extract to some name\).

That's all. After you click on the desired item, the files or folders will be retrieved and the archive can be deleted.

Let me remind you once again that the 7 Zip program is free archiver.

Download free archiver

If you don’t have an archiver on your computer, you can download and install it completely free of charge. This program is called 7 Zip. You can download it at this address:

An archive is simply a single file that compresses other files to reduce its overall size. If you still sigh when you receive another file in a ZIP, RAR, 7-Zip or any other archive, then this article is for you.

For those who like to watch, I’m posting a video:

The easiest way to extract a ZIP archive

ZIP archives are regular files with a “.zip” extension. In fact, you don’t need any programs to simply unzip files from ZIP; everything is already built into Windows Explorer 7/8/10. Just right-click on the file and select “Extract all...” from the menu.

A dialog box will appear where you will need to specify the path to unpack the files, or leave it as default (current folder). As you can see, in the example I have a “Checklist.zip” file with a zipped Word document.

If you leave the “Show extracted files” checkbox enabled, then at the end of the unzipping procedure, another Explorer window will open with a new folder open. Or you can not unpack the files at all, but go into the archive like a regular folder and open the desired file from there.

How to unpack RAR archive

Unfortunately, Explorer cannot work with RAR files. For them you need to install one of the programs that will be discussed. The free program 7-Zip has long established itself as a simple and free archiver. Can unpack files 7z, zip, rar and others.

Using the program is almost as simple, just right-click on the file and select one of the items from the “7-Zip” submenu:

• “Unpack” – to open the extraction dialog
• “Extract here” – to simply extract the files to the current directory
• “Extract to “Folder Name” - extract files to a folder with the archive name (I recommend)

The simplest are the second and third options, because... do not require any further action. If you select the first option, the following dialog will appear:

Here we can specify our path for the files. If you select the “No paths” option, then all files from the archive will be in one heap, without subfolders. The “Overwrite” parameter is responsible for the mode of overwriting existing files. By default, the program will ask about each such file.

You can extract files not only from the right-click menu. If you double-click on the file, it will open in the 7-Zip program window. To unzip files, simply select them and click the "Extract" button

Alternative free method - Hamster Lite Archiver

I also want to introduce you to one newfangled program Hamster Lite Archiver. It is even simpler, free and has a modern interface. After installing it, new items also appear in the Explorer context menu. To unpack a rar or zip archive, right-click on it and select one of the options:

• Extract files… - opens a dialog window
• Extract Here – extracts files into the current folder
• Extract to “Folder name” - unzip to folder

Despite the fact that the context menu items are in English, the program itself is in Russian. Apparently we haven’t gotten around to translating these points yet, but by the time you read this article the situation may have already improved. The dialogue looks like this:

Universal program WinRAR

The WinRAR program is very widely used for working with RAR archives, I only use it. The program is possible. Look immediately for the Russian version in the list. Installing WinRAR is very easy, just click “Next” all the time. The program is paid, but with a trial period of 40 days. After the trial period ends, WinRAR continues to work, but begins to bother you with a window reminding you about the license every time you start it.

To unpack a RAR file, or any other archive, just right-click on the file and select one of the options:

• Extract files... - the unpacking dialog will open
• Extract to current folder – contents will appear in the current folder
• Extract to “folder name” - unzip the contents into a new folder with the archive name (recommended)

The simplest options are the second and third. If you select the first option, a dialog will appear in which you can specify the specific path where your files will be placed and a few more parameters:

Update Mode:

• Extract with file replacement - if the folder already contains the same files as in the archive, then they will be replaced with new ones
• Extract with file update is the same, but only older files will be replaced
• Update only existing files - only the update will occur, the remaining files will not be extracted.

The “Overwrite mode” items are responsible for the behavior of the program when replacing existing files.

Using this dialog, you can unpack a damaged or incomplete archive. By default, if a file has an error, it will not be unpacked. If you check the “Leave damaged files on disk” checkbox, then the damaged archive will be partially unpacked. If it is a video or music, then it can be opened. But, of course, the completeness of the resulting file will depend on the degree of damage to the archive.

You can also unpack files from the WinRAR program window. To do this, just select the required files and click on any of the buttons: “Extract...” or “Wizard”.

WinRar will also help you organize a backup of your information.

Please note that after installing any of the listed programs, the standard “Extract...” menu item for ZIP archives may disappear from Windows Explorer.

How to unpack a multi-volume archive

Multi-volume archives are created to split one huge archive into several small ones. In this case, there will be numbers at the end of the file names, for example.z01, .z02, .z03 or part1, part2, part 3 or 001, 002, 003, etc. To unpack such a multi-volume archive you will need ALL the parts, otherwise nothing good will come of it. The unpacking process itself is no different from the usual one.

You just need to unzip the first file from the list in the usual way, and the rest will be downloaded automatically.

If, in addition to the numbered parts, there is also a “regular” archive, then it is this file that needs to be unpacked, it is the main one.

Please note that multi-volume ZIP archives created by WinRAR can only be unpacked with the same program! Other programs give an error and even if you crack! And vice versa, WinRAR does not understand multi-volume files created by other programs.

Conclusions:

So, you can extract files from zip, rar, 7z archives using Windows Explorer (ZIP only) or using free programs 7-Zip and Hamster Lite Archiver, as well as using paid program WinRAR. Choose a method that is convenient for you and use it for your health!

Imagine how grateful your friends will be if you share this information with them in in social networks! By the way, you can also create your own archives using these programs.

Reading time: 8 minutes. Views 12k. Published 09/11/2017

Very often, users ask the question: “How to open a RAR file?” This format files is quite popular and is used in all Windows versions, Linux, MacOS and even on Android, but for some reason it causes difficulties for users to open.

RAR is a special file compression format; essentially it is an archive that has a high compression ratio; because of this, it has gained high popularity on the Internet.

To open RAR archive The most commonly used utility is WinRAR, which allows you to both create archives and extract files from them.

When working with the WinRAR application, the user can create compound and multi-volume archives, as well as set a password on them. On this moment, there are a huge number of different archivers that can work with the Rar compression format. I propose to consider the most best programs for different operating systems.

How to open a RAR file in Windows

If you have already paid attention, you probably noticed that by default there is a standard ability to open only Zip archives. Therefore, users often simply cannot open the RAR archive until they download it special utility. If you don't know what exactly you need, then consider several options.

WinRaR

Probably the most popular archiver for the Windows operating system. WinRar can not only open and extract files from an archive, but also allows the user to create archives themselves.

As always, you can download the program from the developer’s official website – www.win-rar.ru/download/.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that the program is shareware. There is a 30 day trial version, which allows the user to become familiar with all the functions.

WITH installed program In WinRar, in order to place a file in an archive, just right-click on it and select “Add to archive”.

To unpack compressed file, just left-click on it and in the program window that opens, click on the “Extract” button, which is located in the toolbar.

Main functions of WinRAR:

• Ability to create archives of no more than 8GB;
• Yes, attachment Email, archive blocking and more;
• Recovering damaged archives;
• Availability of a file manager;

7-zip

Another equally popular archiver, created in 1999. The main advantage of 7-zip is that it is completely free and open source. The program has two versions:

1. Version with graphical interface;
2. Command line version;

Like the previous archiver, 7-zip does an excellent job with Rar archives, and also supports working with file types such as: tar, gz, tb2, wim, 7z. By the way, the main compression format for this program is Zip.

The user, at his discretion, can install several archivers on his PC at once, but by default the archives will be opened in WinRar.

Main advantages of the program:

• Excellent speed of creating and unpacking archives;
• Support for native 7z format, which has more advantages over zip;
• A simple and intuitive interface that allows users to quickly understand the functions.

You can download 7-zip from the official website at: www.7-zip.org

FreeArc

Another absolutely free archiver with open source code. If you have FreeArc installed in your arsenal, then you will not have any questions about how to open a RAR file, since the program can work with all popular archive formats.

By the way, those who have already worked with this archiver have probably noticed that it has an excellent speed of operations, so it is at least twice as fast as many of its competitors.

By the way, this archiver can be easily connected to such popular file managers as Total Commander and Far.

Distinctive aspects of FreeArc:

• High speed;
• Ability to restore damaged archives;
• Automatic sorting of archives by date, size, etc.;
• A huge number of settings;
• Clear interface.

TUGZip

A lesser-known free, open-source archiver that has proven itself not only when working with archives, but also with disk images.

If the standard functionality of the program does not suit you, you can easily supplement it with specially created plugins.

Main features of the program:

• Creation of self-extracting archives;
• Working with disk images: ISO, BIN, IMG and others;
• Support for installing third-party plugins;
• Restoring damaged archives;
• Integration into the Explorer context menu;

I won't list all the features that TUGZip has. As you can see, there are plenty of them here and, probably, even more than the most popular archivers have. By the way, the program is independently updated via the Internet and has support for the Russian language.

IZarc

A fairly universal archiver that can also work with disk images.

The program is completely free and supports all modern archive and disk image formats. The main advantages include the following:

• Ability to convert an archive into an image and vice versa;
• Automatic integration into the Windows context menu;
• Scanning archives for viruses using ;
• Russian language support;

Having this archiver on your computer, you will no longer have questions: “How to open a Rar file?”

Hamster Free ZIP Archiver

Quite an interesting and at the same time advanced archiver, which combines functions that are not typical of most archivers.

It has features like:

• Upload archives to popular cloud services: DropBox, Yandex Disc, Google Drive and others;
• Share links to created archives with friends and work colleagues;
• Supports all popular file compression methods;
• Has a high compression ratio.

Therefore, if you want to keep up with the times, I advise you to take a closer look at this archiver.

PeaZip

Our list of archivers for Windows ends with PeaZip. This is a freely available free archiver that does not require installation on the device. All you need to do is copy the program to disk.

PeaZip is also a graphical shell for other archivers. The program has support for creating archives in its own Pea format.

Main functions of the program:

• Working with multi-volume archives;
• Support for all modern archives;
• Checking the integrity of archives;
• Creation of encrypted archives;

In general, a standard set of functions that are found in many archivers.

How to open a RAR file on Android and iOS mobile devices

As a rule, many mobile devices already come pre-installed with various archivers and file managers that can work with RAR archives. Moreover, most file managers allow you to view archives as if the user had opened a regular folder.

If your device does not have a program to open the archive, then you can use the options suggested below.

Popular programs for opening RAR archives on Android

Total Commander - popular file manager, migrated from computers to mobile devices. With its help, you can easily open archives on your smartphone, although the program interface is somewhat complex, which is why many users are looking for alternative programs.

ES File Explorer is another very popular file manager, which, in addition to its main tasks, has a number of additional functions that work great on rooted devices.

FX File Manager is one of the few file managers that can work in two window mode. The truth will not always be convenient for owners of gadgets with a small display.

Amaze File Manager is a less popular, but quite fast file manager that works without freezing. It is loved by users because of its interface, which is similar to Google services.

The best programs for iOS that can work with archives.

File Manager is probably one of the advanced managers that cloud storage users will like. Because it can upload archives to the cloud.

USB Disk Pro - allows you to preview files, and also has a bunch of other functions that will appeal to both beginners and advanced users.

Documents 5 is the best file manager that allows you to search for files on your device, copy and move, and also add to the archive.

How to open a RAR file on Linux

If you are using an operating system on your computer Linux system, then I can make you happy. You don’t have to search or download anything, since the distributions of this operating system already have built-in software packages for working with Rar archives. True, this set of programs does not have a familiar graphical interface.

To activate them, open command line and enter:

Sudo apt-get install unrar p7zip-rar

After this, you can unpack any RAR archive by right-clicking on it and selecting “Unpack here”.

Note! Very often, if the archive was created in the operating room Windows system, and you unpack it in Linux (Ubuntu), the encoding of file names will be lost. This happens when using unrar-free.

If you need a classic archiver for Linux with a graphical interface, then I recommend using p7Zip - an analogue of 7-Zip.

Let's summarize.

Today we looked in detail at how to open a RAR file on different devices. I hope that after reading this article you will no longer have questions about which program to use when working with archives. As you can see, there are quite a lot of free and more advanced solutions that are in many ways superior to the popular WinRAR archiver. Therefore, you must decide for yourself which program to choose.