How to Download WinRAR

An easy-to-follow guide on downloading WinRAR

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: August 26, 2024 Tested

WinRAR is a Windows app that can both create and unpack dozens of compressed file formats. For example, if you download a file that ends with the .RAR file extension, WinRAR will easily decompress the file so you can view and edit what's inside. This wikiHow teaches you how to install the free trial version of WinRAR, plus how to upgrade to the paid version.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Installing WinRAR

Download Article

Go to https://www.rarlab.com. This is the official download site for WinRAR. Avoid downloading WinRAR from any other sites to stay safe from spammy alternatives.
Advertisement
3
Click the download link for your version of Windows. If you're using the 64-bit version of Windows 8 or 10, click WinRAR x64 (x64 bit). If you have the 32-bit version, click WinRAR x86 (32 bit). This downloads the installer to your PC.
- To find out which version you need, Go to Start > Settings > System > About and find the version under "System Type."^{[1]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  Microsoft Support
  Technical support and product information from Microsoft.
  
  Go to source}
4
Open the WinRAR installer. It's the file called winrar-x64-591.exe (or similar) in your Downloads folder.
- You may have to click Yes to allow the installer to run.
5
Review the trial information and click Install. The trial information informs you that you can use the app at no cost for 40 days before you'll be prompted to purchase a license.
- As of September 2020, the cost of a single-user license is $29 USD.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
- When the trial ends, WinRAR will continue to work as it did during the trial period, although it will start asking you to buy a license.Though you technically can keep using WinRAR for free, you agree to purchase a license when you click Install.
6
Choose your install preferences and click OK. On the next screen, you'll be asked to choose some preferences:
- In the "Associate WinRAR with" section, you should select RAR at the very least. Windows already has a pretty good built-in Zip application, so don't worry about the ZIP format. Some other compression types that might come in handy are 7Z, ARJ, TAR, Z, and GZ.
- In the "Interface" section, you can decide whether to add WinRAR to your start menu and/or desktop.
- The "Shell integration" section lets you choose whether to add WinRAR-specific options to the right-click menu, such as Extract here, Add to archive, and Open with WinRAR.
WinRar is now installed on your PC.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Buying a License

Download Article

1
Go to https://www.rarlab.com in your web browser. The RARLAB website is the only place where you can buy a WinRAR license online.
- If your trial version of WinRAR is displaying a pop-up message asking you to purchase, you can click the Buy online button to open the website, and then skip to Step 3.
This opens the price options list.
If you're just buying a license for yourself, click the order link for 1 user. If you're buying a license for multiple users, click one of the order links at the bottom instead.
4
Fill out the order form and click Next. This is where you'll enter your payment information—supported payment options are credit cards, PayPal, and PayNearMe (if you live near a 7-11). Once you submit your order, you'll receive an email from RARLAB containing more registration steps.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- If you want to receive a copy of your licensed WinRAR on CD, check the box next to that option under "Extend your order" at the top of the page.
It may take a few minutes for the email to arrive. When it does, click the included attachment called rarkey.rar and select Save to download it to your computer.
This completes the registration and displays a message that says "This WinRAR copy has been successfully registered." In the future, you will no longer see pop-up messages asking you to register the product.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

How can I download WinRAR for free?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

WinRAR is always free to download from the RARLAB website. And while it technically offers a 40-day free trial, you can continue to use it for free after the trial expires. You don’t have to pay the license fee unless you want to, although the program will keep prompting you to buy it once the trial expires.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 18
Question

Is WinRAR illegal?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

No. WinRAR is simply a program that allows you to compress and decompress files.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 2
Question

Is WinRAR safe to download?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

The most recent versions of WinRAR are considered safe. However, older versions may have security vulnerabilities. Make sure to keep your software up-to-date!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 4