Can Windows 11 Open RAR and 7z Files? The 2023 Update’s Limits

As of 7 November 2023, yes—if the right update is installed. Microsoft’s 31 October preview update, KB5031455, adds native File Explorer support for reading RAR, 7z and several TAR archive formats on Windows 11, versions 22H2 and 23H2. It does not support password-encrypted archives, and KB5031455 is an optional preview update. For one ordinary, unencrypted download, File Explorer may be enough; for password protection or broader archive work, keep a dedicated utility.

What Windows can open

Microsoft lists .rar and .7z files, plus .tar, .tar.gz, .tar.bz2, .tar.zst, .tar.xz, .tgz, .tbz2, .tzst and .txz. Windows uses the open-source libarchive project to read these additional formats.

The word “read” matters. The October update adds a way to open and extract supported archives; its notes do not describe creating new RAR or 7z archives. Microsoft also explicitly excludes password-encrypted files. This is a useful convenience for basic extraction, not a full replacement for every archive manager.

Check whether your PC has the update

KB5031455 is labelled a Preview update. Its release notes list Windows 11 22H2 build 22621.2506 and 23H2 build 22631.2506. Open Settings → System → About and check Windows specifications. You can also look in Settings → Windows Update → Update history for KB5031455.

To try the feature before a later regular update, open Settings → Windows Update and check Optional updates for KB5031455 Preview. It may not be offered on every PC. On a work-managed computer, your organisation may control preview updates; check with IT rather than changing its update policy. If you prefer not to install an optional preview, keep using your current archive utility.

Windows 11, version 23H2 also began rolling out on 31 October. Microsoft’s update instructions say eligible PCs on 22H2 can turn on Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available in Windows Update and select Check for updates. Microsoft may delay an update for a device if it detects a compatibility issue, so not seeing an offer does not by itself mean that your archive or hardware is unsupported.

Extract an archive in File Explorer

Once the feature is available:

1. Open File Explorer and locate a supported .rar, .7z or TAR archive.
2. Right-click it and choose Extract All.
3. Choose a destination folder, preferably a new one if you want to keep the files separate, then start extraction.

Microsoft’s August 2023 Insider Preview notes describe the Extract All command for the new archive formats. The later October update notes establish when this support reached Windows 11’s release versions. If Extract All is missing, check the installed update and the archive’s format before trying again.

Extracting a file does not establish that it is safe. Only open archives from sources you trust, and do not run an unfamiliar program or script just because Windows managed to unpack it.

When to keep a dedicated archive tool

Use a specialist archive utility when a file is password-encrypted, when you need to create RAR or 7z archives, or when you need functions beyond opening and extracting. Microsoft’s KB5031455 notes describe support for reading the additional formats and state that password-encrypted files are not supported.

For an occasional, unencrypted archive on an updated PC, try File Explorer first. If the archive is protected or you need to make one in a particular format, a dedicated tool still has a clear job.