How to Play RAR Files with WinRAR and Dziobas RAR Player

A quick guide for Windows and Mac users to open compressed RAR multimedia with ease

Co-authored by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: July 11, 2024 References

RAR (Roshal Archive) is the native archive file format for the WinRAR software that has a ".rar" extension.^{[1]
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Luigi Oppido
Computer & Tech Specialist

Expert Interview} Files in RAR format can contain other files within them (such as video files) but their data is compressed, which is why media players such as Windows Media Player are unable to play RAR files directly. In order to play any file that has been compressed using the RAR system, you must first either use WinRAR to decompress the file (a procedure known as extraction) or use Dziobas RAR Player, which is a media player that is designed to automatically decompress RAR files to play them.

Things You Should Know

Install WinRAR or Dziobas RAR Player.
WinRAR can open more RAR files than Dziobas.
After you have WinRAR installed, you can double-click a RAR file to open it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

WinRAR

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This will open the file in WinRAR.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Luigi Oppido
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The destination path is the location of the folder where you want the extracted file to be saved.
The compressed files will be extracted to your designated folder.
Since these files are no longer compressed, you should be able to play using your regular media player such as Windows Media Player.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Dziobas RAR Player

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Dziobas will temporarily decompress the file that is in RAR format and begin playing it.

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Question

How do I play RAR videos on mobile?

Community Answer

Install a RAR app or zip extractor app; you can find one easily on Play Store or Android Market.

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Is there a way to do this without downloading any programs?

Community Answer

No, RAR files cannot be opened without a rar. file program. WinRAR is trusted, and even if it says 40 days trial, its unlimited.

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Tips

Create a new folder for storing extracted files. This will make sure that you don't replace any files that already exist on your computer with the new files that are extracted.

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If you want to extract files in the same folder that contains the RAR file then just right-click on the RAR file and select "Extract Here" from the pop-up menu. You need the WinRAR software preinstalled for the "Extract Here" option to appear.

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Warnings

Dziobas cannot play all RAR files. WinRAR supports more file formats than Dzobas, so if you are unable to play RAR files using the Dzbas player try extracting them with WinRAR instead.

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RAR files cannot be opened by WinZip or the native File Explorer of most operating systems.^{[3]
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Luigi Oppido
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