How to Install WinRAR on Linux to Extract RAR Files

RAR files are everywhere, but if you’re a Linux user, you know opening them isn’t always as simple as double-clicking. WinRAR, the classic tool for Windows, doesn’t have a native Linux version. But don’t worry—extracting RAR files on Linux is simple once you know the right steps. Here’s how you can do it.

Why Not Just Use WinRAR?

WinRAR is built for Windows, but the creators offer a command-line tool called rar that works on Linux. If you just want to extract RAR files, you can use the free unrar utility, which is even easier to set up.

Method 1: Install unrar (The Easy Way)

For most users, unrar does everything you need. Here’s how to get it:

For Ubuntu, Debian, and derivatives:

sudo apt update
sudo apt install unrar

For Fedora, CentOS, RHEL:

sudo dnf install unrar

For Arch Linux:

sudo pacman -S unrar

Extracting RAR Files

Once installed, extracting a RAR file is as simple as:

unrar x yourfile.rar

• x extracts with full path.
• If you want to list files without extracting:
  unrar l yourfile.rar

Method 2: Install WinRAR Command-Line Tool

If you really want the official WinRAR CLI for Linux:

1. Download WinRAR for Linux (look for the “Linux” version).
2. Extract the downloaded archive:
   tar -xvf rarlinux-x64-*.tar.gz
3. Move into the extracted folder:
   cd rar
4. Install (requires sudo):
   sudo cp rar unrar /usr/local/bin/

Now you can use rar and unrar from the command line just like in Method 1.

Troubleshooting

• If you get “command not found,” double-check your install.
• For encrypted archives, you’ll be prompted for the password.

Alternatives: Use Archive Managers

Many desktop archive tools like Ark (KDE) or File Roller (GNOME) support RAR if unrar is installed. So after installing unrar, most file managers let you extract RAR files with a right-click.

Bottom Line:
You don’t need WinRAR’s Windows version to open RAR files on Linux. Just install unrar or the official RAR CLI, and you’re set. Quick, easy, done.

Have questions or need help with another Linux challenge? Drop a comment below!

Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!