After long years of waiting, Microsoft has finally introduced an essential feature in Windows 10 and 11: the ability to extract the contents of RAR files natively.
From now on, it is no longer necessary to use third-party applications such as WinRAR or 7-Zip, as this task can be performed directly from the File Explorer. 
The RAR format: a brief history
The RAR format is very familiar to many users.
Created in 1993, it has rapidly established itself as an essential compression option when we need to compress folders or large files.
It has been joined by other popular formats, notably ZIP, on which Microsoft has invested heavily.
Unlike RAR, which requires a paid license from WinRAR GmbH, its owner, the ZIP format is entirely free. Microsoft has always refused to pay to integrate the RAR format into its software, which explains why, for all these years, it has been necessary to use a third-party application to decompress these files on Windows, unlike the ZIP format which can be extracted directly from the file explorer.
But those days are over.
The latest update to Windows 11 and Windows 10 brings a feature that will change everything.
Time to uninstall WINRAR and 7-ZIP from your Windows PC
Once installed, the operating system update finally offers the option of decompressing RAR files directly from the file explorer. The procedure is the same as for ZIP files:
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the location of the RAR file.
- Right-click on the RAR file.
- Select the “Extract all” option.
- You can also choose the “Extract files” option to select the destination folder location.
Similarly, it is also possible to create a RAR file by right-clicking on a folder, then choosing the “Send to” option > “Compressed file (RAR)”.
This new feature, integrated into Windows 10 and 11, allows users to dispense with WinRAR and 7-Zip for RAR file management once and for all.
Microsoft offers a native solution that simplifies the process of compressing and decompressing files, providing a smoother, more convenient user experience.
A good thing done…
This marksthe end of the WinRAR era, and paves the way for more efficient management of compressed files directly from File Explorer.
Users can now take advantage of this new integrated feature, which simplifies and enhances their experience with the Windows operating system.
win.rar GmbH, the publisher of WinRAR software, is threatened by this new native compatibility with Microsoft’s operating system.
