Want to open compressed files like RAR or 7z in Windows? Here’s how you can do it without downloading any extra software.
RAR and 7z are two of the most popular compression formats. As such, most people download software like WinRAR or 7-Zip to open RAR or 7z archive files. That’s no longer needed. Windows 11 now natively supports these archive formats. That means, if you just want to open/extract a RAR or 7z file, you can do it directly from the File Explorer. You don’t have to install WinRAR, 7-Zip, or some other archival software.
In this quick and easy guide, I will show you how to use the File Explorer options to open and extract RAR and 7z files in Windows 11 without downloading or installing extra software. Let’s get started.
Good to read: How to Open & Extract TGZ Files in Windows 11 & 10
Steps to Open RAR and 7z Files in File Explorer
- Open File Explorer by pressing “Windows key + E“.
- Find the RAR or 7z file you want to open.
- Right-click the RAR or 7z file in File Explorer.
- Select the “Extract all” option.
- Click “Extract“.
- This extracts the RAR or 7z file to the same folder and opens it automatically.
Good to read: How to ZIP and Unzip files using PowerShell
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
As always, the first thing we need to do when dealing with files is open the File Explorer by pressing the “Windows key + E” shortcut. You can also search for “File Explorer” in the Start menu or click its icon on the taskbar.
Once the File Explorer window opens, navigate to the folder containing the RAR or 7z file(s). Next, right-click the RAR or 7z file and select “Extract All“.
As soon as you do that, you will see the Extract dialog. Here, click the “Extract” button. By default, the RAR or 7z file will be extracted to the same folder as the source file. However, if you want, you can enter a custom path in the “File will be extracted to this folder” field.
After extraction, the extracted folder will be opened automatically. If it didn’t, you can open it manually by navigating to it in the File Explorer.
That is all. It is that simple to open and extract RAR and 7z files in Windows 11 without using any extra software.
One thing to keep in mind is that while you can open RAR archive files, you cannot create them natively. For that, you have to use third-party software such as WinRAR. That being said, you can create 7z and TAR archive files natively in Windows, though.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
