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🗜️ WinRAR (File Compression and Extraction Utility)
Category: PCHF Verified Utilities
Author: jmarket (PCHF Founder)
Verified by: PCHF Staff • April 2025
Overview
WinRAR is a commercial-grade compression and extraction utility developed by RARLAB.
It remains one of the most robust and widely used file archivers in the Windows ecosystem, supporting a variety of formats such as RAR, ZIP, 7z, TAR, and ISO.
Known for its excellent compression ratios, password protection, and recovery options, WinRAR integrates seamlessly into Windows 11’s modern context menu for efficient archive management.
While WinRAR offers a 40-day evaluation period, the software remains fully functional after expiry — displaying only a reminder message upon launch.
This makes it a practical, professional choice for both personal and enterprise environments.
Key Features
- Comprehensive Format Support: Handles RAR, ZIP, 7z, TAR, GZ, ISO, and more.
- High Compression Ratio: Efficiently reduces file sizes for storage or transfer.
- Archive Repair and Recovery: Rebuilds damaged archives with integrated recovery records.
- Password Protection & Encryption: Supports AES-256 encryption for secure archives.
- Shell Integration: Right-click context menu for quick compress/extract operations in Windows 11.
- Split Archives: Create multi-volume archives for large datasets or backups.
System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows 10 or Windows 11 (32-bit, 64-bit, and ARM64)
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster
- Storage: 10 MB free disk space
- Administrator privileges required for installation
Installation
- Visit the official WinRAR download page:
https://www.win-rar.com/download.html - Select the version that matches your system architecture (x64 or ARM64).
- Download and install using default options.
- Once installed, WinRAR automatically integrates into the Windows shell.
Usage
- To extract an archive: Right-click any supported file (e.g., .rar or .zip) → choose Extract Here or Extract to <Folder>.
- To create an archive: Select files or folders → right-click → choose Add to archive… and adjust compression or encryption options as desired.
- To repair a corrupted archive: Open WinRAR → select the archive → click Tools → Repair Archive.
Advanced Features
- Batch Compression: Automate archiving for multiple folders or file sets.
- Self-Extracting Archives (SFX): Create standalone executable archives for distribution.
- Testing Mode: Verify archive integrity without extraction.
- Command-Line Mode: Supports automation via scripting for advanced users.
Verification
All official WinRAR binaries are digitally signed by Alexander Roshal (RARLAB).
To confirm authenticity, verify the digital signature via Windows Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures tab, or with PowerShell:
Code:Get-AuthenticodeSignature "winrar-x64-700.exe"
Notes
- Fully compatible with Windows 11 25H2 and context-menu integration.
- Trial version remains functional indefinitely, showing only a reminder window.
- Supports multi-core compression and Unicode file names.
- Routinely updated to address security and performance improvements.
Policy
PCHF lists only verified utilities directly from official developers.
All download links for WinRAR point to the official RARLAB website.
Third-party mirrors, repackaged, or modified versions are strictly prohibited.
Download
Technical Information
- Publisher: RARLAB
- Version: 7.00 (64-bit) or latest
- Release Date: April 2025
- License: Commercial (40-day trial, fully functional)
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All content © 2025 PC Help Forum. WinRAR is developed and maintained by RARLAB.
All downloads are provided exclusively from official sources. Redistribution or modification is prohibited.