WinRAR
How to Uninstall WinRAR
Uninstalling WinRAR uses Windows' standard removal process, but you may also want to reset file associations it took over.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Standard uninstall steps
- 1Open Windows SettingsGo to Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
- 2Find WinRAR in the listSearch or scroll to locate WinRAR.
- 3Choose UninstallClick the three-dot menu or the Uninstall button next to WinRAR and confirm.
- 4Follow the uninstaller promptsWinRAR's own uninstaller runs and removes its program files.
- 5Restart File Explorer or your PCThis ensures any remaining context-menu entries or icon caches refresh properly.
Leftover file associations
After uninstalling, double-clicking a .zip or .rar file may briefly show a broken icon or prompt you to choose a new program, since Windows needs a new default handler. On Windows 11, Windows can generally take over RAR and ZIP handling on its own since it has native support built in. On Windows 10, you'll need another program (or File Explorer's native ZIP support, which was always built in for ZIP specifically) to reopen those files.
Restoring default ZIP handling
- 1Right-click any .zip fileChoose Open with > Choose another app.
- 2Select the built-in optionLook for Windows Explorer or a similar system-provided option, rather than a third-party app.
- 3Check "Always use this app"This makes the built-in handler the default again for ZIP files going forward.
If uninstalling fails
Occasionally an uninstaller can be interrupted by a locked file or a leftover registry entry. If Windows reports it can't complete removal, try again after closing any open archive windows, or use Windows' "Fix" option in Installed apps if offered. General installer-related error patterns are covered on WinRAR installation error.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to manually delete WinRAR files after uninstalling?
Usually not. The standard uninstaller removes its own program files. If a folder remains empty in Program Files, it's generally safe to delete.
Why do RAR files show a blank icon after I uninstall WinRAR?
Windows lost its default handler for that file type. Right-click a file and choose a new default app, or reinstall an archiver if you still need to open RAR files.
Will uninstalling WinRAR delete my existing archives?
No. Uninstalling only removes the program itself, not the `.rar` or `.zip` files it created or was used to open.
How do I get ZIP files working normally again after removing WinRAR?
Right-click a `.zip` file, choose Open with > Choose another app, select the built-in Windows option, and check 'Always use this app.'
Related guides
- How to Install WinRAR on WindowsInstalling WinRAR takes a few minutes and one dialog worth reading carefully: the file-association and shell-integration screen.
- WinRAR Installation Error: Common Causes and FixesInstaller failures are almost always one of a handful of causes: a blocked file, missing permissions, a bad download, or the wrong build for your system.
- How to Extract a ZIP FileExtracting a ZIP file needs no extra software on Windows or macOS — here is the exact process on each, plus command-line options.
- WinRAR on Windows 10Windows 10's File Explorer has no built-in ability to open RAR files, so a program like WinRAR is required to extract them.
WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.