Windows
Windows 10 and Archive Files
Windows 10 File Explorer has always handled ZIP archives on its own, but it has never included native RAR support.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
ZIP: built in
Windows 10 treats .zip files as a special kind of folder. You can double-click to browse contents, drag files out, or right-click and choose Extract All... without installing anything. See how to extract a ZIP file for the exact steps.
RAR: requires separate software
Unlike Windows 11, Windows 10 has no built-in ability to open, browse, or extract .rar files at any point in its update history. Double-clicking a RAR file on a fresh Windows 10 install produces an error or a prompt to choose an app, because nothing on the system knows how to read it. You need a dedicated program such as WinRAR or a free alternative; see archive software for Windows for the options.
Extraction options once software is installed
- Right-click context menu entries like
Extract HereandExtract to <folder name>. - Opening the archive directly in the program's own window to browse before extracting.
- Command-line extraction, useful for scripting or batch jobs.
A note on Windows 10's lifecycle
Windows 10 has an end-of-support date after which Microsoft stops issuing routine security updates for it. If you're still running Windows 10, keep archive software itself up to date, since that's now doing more of the security work that platform updates would otherwise cover. Check Microsoft's own lifecycle documentation for current dates rather than relying on this page for that detail.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Will Windows 10 ever get native RAR support like Windows 11?
There's no indication of that. The native RAR feature was introduced as part of Windows 11's ongoing updates, and Microsoft has not brought it to Windows 10.
What happens if I double-click a RAR file with no extractor installed?
Windows 10 shows an error or asks you to pick an app from the Microsoft Store or your PC, since no built-in handler exists for the format.
Can I still open ZIP files if Windows 10 support ends?
Yes, native ZIP handling is part of File Explorer and works the same regardless of the platform's support lifecycle. Security updates are a separate concern from this specific feature.
Related guides
- Archive Files on Windows: Complete ReferenceWindows handles ZIP files natively, but RAR support depends heavily on which version of Windows you run and how recently it has been updated.
- Archive Software for WindowsWindows offers several distinct categories of archive software, and the right pick depends on which formats and features you actually need.
- How to Open a RAR File on Windows 10Windows 10 has no built-in way to open RAR files, so the first step is always installing a compatible program.
- How to Install WinRAR on Windows 10Installing WinRAR on Windows 10 follows the same basic process as Windows 11, with a few differences worth knowing beforehand.
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