Windows 11 Update Enables Native RAR File Support

Srishti Dey
Srishti Dey January 12, 2024
Updated 2024/01/12 at 2:13 PM

Users may now open and extract RAR files without the usage of third-party software like WinRAR thanks to a new optional update from Microsoft for Windows 11. Additionally, this update adds compatibility for more archive types, which improves Windows 11’s overall user experience.

Native RAR Enablement:

The KB50311455 preview update has made it possible for users of Windows 11 to easily interact with RAR files right within the operating system. With this change, handling these widely used archive types no longer requires installing additional apps.

Increased File Format Interoperability:

Windows 11 now natively supports various file formats, such as.7z,. tar,. tar.gz. tar.bz2,. tar.zst,.tar. xz,. tgz,. tbz2,. tzst, and.txz, in addition to RAR files. This increases the variety of archive formats available to users.

 

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From Build 2023 Conference to Reality:

During the Build 2023 conference, Microsoft revealed their decision to provide native RAR support. This major improvement is a result of the company’s dedication to improving customer convenience; it marks a substantial departure from the previous 28 years of depending on third-party software for RAR files.

Prospective Opportunities:

Updated file formats from the open source libarchive project suggest that other formats, such as LZH and XAR, may be supported in the future.

Extra Characteristics:

The upgrade activates new capabilities from the Windows 11 Moment 4 update in addition to supporting more file formats. These include the much-anticipated Co-pilot for Windows, a new Backup application, support for passkeys, and an updated File Explorer.

How to Download the Update:

By typing “Windows Update” into the search box and selecting “Check for Updates,” users may obtain the optional KB50311455 update. For native RAR compatibility on Windows 11, search for and install ‘2023-10 Cumulative Update Preview for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5031455)’.


The optional upgrade for Windows 11 improves user experience and lessens the need for third-party apps by adding native support for RAR files and expanding compatibility to a variety of archive types.

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