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Rounl's avatar
Rounl
Iron Contributor
Apr 25, 2025

Best WinRAR alternative on Windows 11 coz not working

It takes too much time to decompress or open .rar file on Windows 11 with WinRAR. And the pop-up ads is also annoying. Not sure if it's a technical issue or if the software itself is outdated. Either way, I'm looking for a reliable alternative that can handle all the tasks I usually rely on WinRAR for—like compressing files, extracting archives, splitting large files, and encrypting sensitive data.

I tried a couple of free alternatives I found online, but they either lacked features or seemed unreliable. I'm hoping to find something that's just as user-friendly and efficient as WinRAR, but without the current issues I'm facing. If anyone has a tried-and-tested WinRAR alternative for Windows 11, I'd appreciate any recommendations or tips on how to make the switch smoothly.

7 Replies

  • Kaydenyo's avatar
    Kaydenyo
    Iron Contributor

    Fosszip, one of the best powerful apps for archive compressing and decompressing. It supports ZIP, RAR, 7ZIP, TAR and TAR.GZ. Here is the step-by-step guide:

    https://www.ammdiy.com/best-winrar-alternative

  • If WinRAR is not working on Windows 11, then you can use the command line tool for opening .rar file instead. In fact, Powershell is a very good WinRAR alternative on Windows 11. You can easily extract and compress .rar file with it.

    Start-Process -FilePath "C:\path\to\unraar.exe" -ArgumentList "x `"archive.rar`" `"C:\output_folder\`""

     

    You can also try with the free bulk_extractor command line tool, one of the best WinRAR alternatives for Windows 11/10 PC.

    It is a high-performance digital forensics tool designed to scan disk images, files, and archives (including RAR) to extract structured information like emails, credit card numbers, URLs, and metadata, making it useful for cybersecurity investigations, law enforcement, and data recovery, though it's more complex than typical extraction tools and requires command-line usage.

    bulk_extractor -R "archive.rar" -o "C:\output_folder\"

     

  • Nskdo's avatar
    Nskdo
    Iron Contributor

    Before switching or using any software, ensure your important files are fully backed up in case of compatibility issues with the new software. After you've chosen and installed an WinRAR alternative, you may want to uninstall WinRAR to prevent conflicts and free up space. Take some time to explore the features of the new tool you select. Most have tutorials or help sections that can guide you in performing tasks similar to what you did in WinRAR. Check the settings in the new application. You can often customize things like file associations, interface preferences, and default compression formats according to your needs.

    All the suggested WinRAR alternatives for Windows 11 are well-regarded and should provide efficient functionality for compressing and extracting files on Windows 11. 7-Zip is particularly popular due to its balance of features and performance, but any of the listed options should be suitable based on your specific needs.

  • EmmaJohnson's avatar
    EmmaJohnson
    Iron Contributor

    One major concern is that WinRAR is a third-party software, and while it is widely used and trusted, it may not integrate seamlessly with the newer features and security protocols of Windows 11. For example, Windows 11 has built-in support for ZIP files and other compression formats. This is why you should look for best alternative to WinRAR on Windows 11 PC.

    Additionally, some users have reported compatibility issues with WinRAR on Windows 11, such as crashes or errors during file extraction or compression, though these are not universal and may depend on the specific version of WinRAR being used.

    Another reason to avoid WinRAR is its licensing model. WinRAR is shareware, meaning it requires a paid license after the trial period ends. While this is not inherently problematic, some users may prefer free alternatives like 7-Zip or the built-in Windows tools, which offer similar functionality without additional costs.

    Furthermore, relying on third-party WinRAR alternative software can introduce potential security risks if the software is not kept up to date or if it contains vulnerabilities. While WinRAR is generally secure, using built-in Windows tools or well-maintained free alternatives might be a safer and more cost-effective choice for many users.

  • Unfortunately, Windows 11 does not natively support RAR files by default. While Windows 11 includes built-in support for common archive formats like ZIP, it does not come with built-in support for RAR files. To open, extract, or create RAR files on Windows 11, you will need to use third-party software that support the RAR format. 

    However, if you prefer not to install additional software, you can use online tools or cloud services to handle RAR files, though this may not be ideal for sensitive or large files due to privacy and security concerns. For most users, installing a reliable third-party tool like ​​7-Zip​​ (which is free and open-source) is a convenient and secure way to work with RAR files on Windows 11.

    P.S. WinRAR sucks and you should look for the best alternative winrar for windows 11. There are many good ones out there!

  • Stephennen's avatar
    Stephennen
    Bronze Contributor

    BandiZip is a solid WinRAR alternative Windows 11, especially if you're on Windows 11. I’ve played around with it a bit: 

    1. It’s super lightweight. The download is quick, and the installation is a breeze – no complicated steps or bloatware. Once you get it up and running, the interface is pretty user-friendly, which is a nice change if you've ever struggled with some of the clunkier compression tools out there.
    2. When it comes to functionality, BandiZip handles a variety of formats, so whether you’re dealing with .zip, .tar, .gz, or even .7z, it's got your back. I’ve found it particularly handy for compressing files into .zip format without any fuss.
    3. One of my favorite features is the "Fast Compression" – it really speeds things up when you're zipping large folders. It doesn’t bog down your system, which is a plus when you’re multitasking. And let's not forget the integrated antivirus scanning option, which is a neat touch for those of us who are a bit paranoid about malware.
    4. The speed is impressive too! Compared to WinRAR, it feels snappier when extracting or compressing files. Plus, I dig the feature that lets you extract multiple archives at once – saves so much time when you have a bunch of files to deal with.

     

    As a WinRAR alternative Windows 11, the only downside might be that it doesn’t have quite as many advanced features as WinRAR, like some of the more obscure compression options, but honestly, for everyday use, it does the job just fine. 

  • BhevesY's avatar
    BhevesY
    Iron Contributor

    If you’re considering PeaZip as a WinRAR alternative for Windows 11, I’d say it’s pretty solid. I’ve had a decent experience with it and here’s the lowdown. PeaZip is super user-friendly, which is a big plus if you're just looking to unzip stuff without a ton of fuss. The interface might take a hot second to get used to, but once you dive in, it’s pretty intuitive. You can easily drag and drop files into the app, or right-click on a file and choose to compress or extract, which is nice. It supports a ton of formats, like ZIP, RAR, 7z, and more, so you won’t be missing out on anything.

    Why is it the best WinRAR alternative windows for 11? One of the standout features is its security options. You can encrypt your files with pretty strong algorithms, which is great if you’re dealing with sensitive stuff. And it's open-source, so you know you’re not getting some shady software with hidden catches. The overall performance is solid, too. It compresses and extracts files without much hassle, and the speed is decent. Sometimes, it might not be the fastest out there compared to others, but hey, it gets the job done without breaking a sweat.

    In terms of customization, PeaZip offers a bunch of settings if you’re the type who likes to tweak things. You can adjust compression levels, create self-extracting archives, and even set up favorites for quick access to your commonly used files and folders. So yeah, if you're looking for a free alternative to WinRAR, give PeaZip a shot! It’s versatile, straightforward, and does what you need without any drama. Plus, it’s free, which is always a win in my book!

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