WinRAR is one of the most trusted tools for compressing and extracting files on Windows. Whether you're dealing with .rar files from a download or compressing a folder to send by email, WinRAR makes file management easy.
But despite its popularity, many Windows 10 users still feel a little unsure about how to install it properly or what happens when the free trial ends. And let’s be honest: the slightly outdated interface doesn’t exactly scream “user-friendly.”
So here’s the question: how do you download and use WinRAR on Windows 10 without getting lost or overwhelmed? As someone who’s been working in tech for years, I’ve installed WinRAR on countless machines, and in this article, I’ll walk you through every step.
Part 1: How to Download and Install WinRAR on Windows 10
Installing WinRAR on Windows 10 is a quick and straightforward process as long as you download it from the official site. Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Visit the official WinRAR website
Go to www.win-rar.com. Don’t download from third-party websites. Some of them bundle unwanted software or outdated versions.
Step 2: Click “Download WinRAR”
You’ll see a prominent download button on the home page. Click it to go to the download page.
Step 3: Choose the version for Windows 10 (64-bit or 32-bit)
Most users today run 64-bit Windows 10. If you’re not sure, just press Windows + I, go to System > About, and check your system type. Download the version that matches.
Step 4: Run the installer and follow the setup wizard
Once downloaded, open the .exe file. The installation wizard will guide you through the process in a few clicks.
Step 5: Choose file associations and finish the setup
In the final step, WinRAR will ask you which file types to associate with it. Make sure .rar and .zip are selected. You can also add desktop or Start menu shortcuts.
I’ve installed WinRAR dozens of times on new PCs, client laptops, and even virtual machines. The entire process usually takes less than two minutes. What I appreciate is how lightweight it is. The download was just a few megabytes, and the setup didn’t prompt me with any ads or bloatware.
If you're worried about the "trial version" popup, don't be. While you’ll occasionally see reminders to purchase, WinRAR remains fully functional even after the trial ends. That’s part of its charm.
Part 2: How to Use WinRAR on Windows 10 to Extract and Compress Files
Once WinRAR is installed, using it is refreshingly simple. Whether you’re dealing with game files, downloaded documents, or large project folders, here’s how to make the most of it.
Extracting Files with WinRAR
The most common task is extracting a compressed archive, usually a .rar or .zip file.
Step 1: Right-click the archive file
Navigate to the .rar or .zip file you want to open and right-click it.
Step 2: Choose how you want to extract
From the context menu, you’ll see three common options:
Extract Here – Extract all files to the current folder
Extract to [folder name]/ – Extracts to a new subfolder
Extract files… – Lets you choose a destination
Compressing Files with WinRAR
Need to send multiple files in a single, compressed folder? WinRAR makes that easy, too.
Step 1: Select your files or folders
Highlight the files or folders you want to compress. Then, right-click and choose Add to archive…
Step 2: Choose the archive name and format
In the popup window, you can:
Set a custom name
Select RAR or ZIP format
Adjust compression level (Normal, Fastest, Best, etc.)
Step 3: Click OK to compress
Once your settings are ready, hit OK, and WinRAR will create the compressed file in seconds.
Advanced Features for Power Users
WinRAR also includes powerful extras that many users overlook:
Split Archives – Great for large files; you can divide them into parts (e.g., 100MB each)
Password Protection – Add encryption to secure private content
Self-Extracting Archives (.exe) – Useful when sending files to someone without WinRAR installed
I tried compressing a 500MB folder of mixed media files and extracting a 1.2GB game backup. WinRAR handled both tasks without breaking a sweat. I especially like how right-clicking brings up all the useful tools, and I don’t even need to open the full WinRAR app most of the time.
One tip: if you’re sharing archives with someone who might not use WinRAR, choose the .zip format. It’s universally supported and opens in Windows without additional software.
Part 3: Open and Edit Archived Office Files with WPS Office
After extracting files using WinRAR, chances are you’ll end up with Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, or PowerPoint presentations. That’s where WPS Office becomes the perfect companion.
Why WPS Office is Ideal for Extracted Files
When working with compressed folders, especially shared reports, invoices, or schoolwork, you need an office suite that’s:
Fast to open
Lightweight on system resources
Fully compatible with Microsoft formats
WPS Office checks all the boxes.
Key Features That Make WPS Office Shine:
Seamless compatibility: Opens DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, and PDF files instantly
All-in-one suite: Includes Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools
Fast and compact: Much lighter than Microsoft Office
AI tools built-in: Get summaries, explanations, and formatting suggestions
Cross-device sync: Access your documents on Windows, Mac, Android, or online
Real Experience: Fast, Clean, and Productive
After extracting a zip folder filled with Excel and Word files from a client, I opened everything directly in WPS Office. The files launched in under a second. The layout was identical to what I’d expect in Microsoft Office, and better yet, WPS didn’t hog system memory.
WPS AI also gave me a head start by summarizing a long meeting transcript I received. That saved me at least 15 minutes.
If you’re using WinRAR to manage multiple work documents, pairing it with WPS Office is the smartest productivity move I can recommend in 2025.
Bonus Tip:
When reviewing extracted reports, try WPS PDF tools. You can annotate, comment, or convert PDFs to Word format within seconds, with no need for third-party software.
FAQs
Q1: Is WinRAR free for Windows 10?
Technically, WinRAR offers a 40-day trial. But here’s the truth: it keeps working even after that. You’ll get occasional pop-up reminders to buy a license, but none of the core features are disabled. It’s one of those rare tools that’s honest and generous.
Q2: Can I use WinRAR to open ZIP files?
Absolutely. WinRAR isn’t limited to .rar files. It supports a wide range of formats, including .zip, .7z, .cab, .tar, and .iso. In fact, I use it as my default handler for all compressed files.
Q3: Is WinRAR safe to install?
Yes, as long as you download it from the official website (www.win-rar.com). Avoid third-party download sites, and they sometimes bundle malware or outdated versions.
Q4: Does WinRAR work on Windows 11 as well?
It sure does. I’ve personally installed it on both Windows 10 and 11 systems, and it works flawlessly across versions. WinRAR supports Windows 7 through 11.
Summary
WinRAR remains one of the most reliable tools for managing compressed files on Windows 10. From downloading to installing and using it for everyday tasks like extracting or archiving files, the process is smooth, even for beginners. It supports a wide variety of formats and offers features like password protection, split archives, and self-extracting files that go beyond the basics.
Pairing WinRAR with WPS Office takes your productivity up a notch. After extracting documents, WPS makes it incredibly easy to open, edit, or convert Office files with speed and precision. It’s lightweight, powerful, and packed with smart features like AI summaries and PDF editing, making it a perfect companion for managing all your archived content on Windows 10.
