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Natrauss's avatar
Natrauss
Copper Contributor
Feb 24, 2026

I need help to convert rar to zip on windows or mac?

I received a couple of RAR archived files, but since my Windows PC and MacBook Pro don't natively support RAR, I can't open them. I need to convert them to the more universal ZIP format so I can share the contents with others.

What's the safest and most efficient method to convert rar to zip on a Windows PC or Mac? Please suggest a free tool or simple process that works on both platforms, keeps my files private, and doesn't require a paid subscription. 

Thanks!

7 Replies

  • Asainna's avatar
    Asainna
    Bronze Contributor

    Extract the content from rar file and compress the as zip. This is the trick for converting rar to zip on a PC or Mac.

  • Giovanni2230's avatar
    Giovanni2230
    Copper Contributor

    Using Far Manager, a free and powerful file management tool for Windows, combined with appropriate plugins, can be an effective way to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 11. Far Manager supports various archive formats through plugins, allowing you to handle archives directly within the file manager interface.

    Here's how it works in your own words:

    First, you need to install Far Manager on your Windows 11 system. Once installed, you can add plugins such as Total Commander archiver plugins or other archive management plugins compatible with Far Manager. These plugins enable Far Manager to recognize and operate on different archive formats like RAR and ZIP.

    To convert RAR to ZIP, you would:

    1. Use Far Manager to navigate to your RAR file.

    2. Extract the RAR archive using the plugin support.

    3. After extracting, select the extracted files within Far Manager.

    4. Use the plugin to compress those files into a ZIP archive directly within Far Manager.

    This process effectively allows you to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 11 without the need for separate dedicated archiving tools, making it a flexible and free solution.

  • Gracianon's avatar
    Gracianon
    Copper Contributor

    Using tools like Universal Extractor to convert RAR files to ZIP on Windows PC or Mac can be a practical solution, especially if you're looking to extract the contents of a RAR archive and then repackage them into a ZIP format. However, it's important to note that Universal Extractor is primarily designed for extracting archives rather than converting formats directly.

    How to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 10

    1. Extract the RAR file:

    • Use Universal Extractor or a dedicated archive tool like 7-Zip (recommended for Windows) to extract the contents of the RAR file.
    • On Windows 10, 7-Zip is free, reliable, and supports both RAR and ZIP formats.
    • On Mac, you can use The Unarchiver or Keka for extraction.

    2. Create a ZIP archive:

    • After extracting, select the folder or files.
    • Right-click, choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder on Windows.
    • On Mac, right-click and select Compress.

    3. Result:

    • You now have a ZIP version of your original RAR archive, effectively "converting" the format by re-archiving.

     

    Important notes:

    Universal Extractor is not designed for converting RAR to ZIP on Windows 10 directly; it only extracts.

    For direct conversion, some dedicated tools or archive managers can create ZIP files from RAR contents after extraction.

    Always ensure you use reputable software to avoid security risks.

  • Pherick's avatar
    Pherick
    Copper Contributor

    Using Zam zar to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 11 is a straightforward and free option if you prefer an online solution. Zam zar is a web-based file conversion service that allows you to upload your RAR archive and convert it to a ZIP file without installing any software on your computer.

    First, you visit Zam zar and select the Convert Files feature. You then upload your RAR file directly from your Windows 11 or Windows 10 device. After uploading, you choose ZIP as the desired output format. Once you start the conversion process, Zam zar processes the file on their servers. When the conversion is complete, you'll receive a download link to save the converted ZIP file to your PC.

    Using Zam zar to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 11 is convenient because it doesn't require any software installation and works across different browsers. However, keep in mind that for large files, the upload and download times depend on your internet speed, and there might be file size limits unless you opt for a paid plan.

    Overall, Zam zar provides an easy, free way to convert RAR to ZIP on Windows 11 without the need for complex tools or commands.

  • EmmettBrooks's avatar
    EmmettBrooks
    Iron Contributor

    The Unarchiver is a popular free extraction tool for Mac that helps you convert rar to zip on mac easily with the help of the built-in Archive Utility.

    Step 1: Install the software from the App Store or official website

    Step 2: Right-click the RAR file and select “Open with” to choose the software

    Step 3: The files will be extracted to a folder

    Step 4: Select the extracted files

    Step 5: Right-click and choose Compress to create a ZIP file

    Pros

    • Very lightweight and fast
    • Supports almost all archive formats
    • Perfect integration with macOS

    Cons

    • Only extracts files, cannot directly convert archives
    • Requires using the system compress function to make ZIP
    • No advanced compression settings

    For basic and secure file conversion, it is the best choice for reliably and swiftly convert rar to zip on mac.

     

     

     

  • JettStone's avatar
    JettStone
    Iron Contributor

    PeaZip is a free, open-source Mac compression tool that supports the rapid and secure conversion of RAR files to ZIP format. It operates offline without requiring file uploads and supports over 200 compression formats.

    How to convert RAR to ZIP on Mac

    1. Install the software on your Mac
    2. Open the application and add the RAR file
    3. Click the Convert button
    4. Set the output format to ZIP
    5. Select the save folder and initiate conversion
    6. Await completion to obtain the ZIP file

    It is a stable, free tool that reliably converts RAR format to ZIP format. It fulfils everyday file conversion needs and is entirely free of charge.

  • Rupertmurd's avatar
    Rupertmurd
    Iron Contributor

    Converting a RAR file to ZIP on Windows 10 is a common task, primarily to improve compatibility, as ZIP files can be opened by Windows without any additional software, whereas RAR files typically require a dedicated program like 7-Zip . You can achieve this conversion using either free software installed on your computer or a convenient online tool, each with its own advantages for privacy and file size limits . Below are simple steps for two of the most effective methods.

    This method is ideal for large files or when you want to keep your data private and secure on your own computer. 7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver.

    How to convert .rar to .zip on Windows 11/10

    Step 1: Go to the official 7-Zip website and download the version compatible with Windows 10. Install the software by following the on-screen instructions .

    Step 2: Right-click on your .rar file. In the context menu, hover over the 7-Zip option, then select Extract files... or Extract Here . This will unpack all the contents of the RAR archive to a folder.

    Step 3: Select all the files and folders you just extracted. Right-click on them, hover over the 7-Zip menu again, and choose Add to archive... .

    Step 4: In the window that pops up, make sure the "Archive format" dropdown is set to zip. You can adjust other settings if you like, but the defaults are fine. Click OK. 7-Zip will create a new ZIP archive in the same location containing all your files.

    To convert a RAR file to ZIP on Windows 10, you can either use a free offline tool like 7-Zip for privacy and unlimited file sizes. This methods effectively convert the RAR archive into the more universally compatible ZIP format.