Files · Windows 10 and 11
Convert RAR to ZIP
Someone sent a RAR and the next person needs a ZIP, or a website only takes ZIP uploads. Open the RAR in Octoolo, press Convert to ZIP, and a ZIP with the same files appears beside it. Nothing is uploaded, so the size and privacy of the files do not matter.
How to convert RAR to ZIP
- 1
Open the RAR
In Files, press Choose an archive… under Extract, or drop the RAR on that box, then press Cancel in the Extract all box if you only want the ZIP. From File Explorer, Octoolo and Open in Octoolo… opens its list straight away. For a split RAR, open any part.
- 2
Convert
Press Convert to ZIP. If the RAR is locked, type its password when asked.
- 3
Use the ZIP
When it is done, Show in folder shows the new ZIP, named like the RAR (“Photos.zip”, or “Photos (2).zip” if that name is taken). Open it here opens it in Files to check.
RAR and ZIP compared
| Detail | RAR | ZIP |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Roshal Archive | ZIP archive (PKZIP format) |
| Compression | RAR's own method, usually tighter than ZIP's Deflate | Deflate in nearly every ZIP; a few tools use others |
| Passwords | AES-256 in RAR 5 (AES-128 in RAR 4); can hide the file names | ZipCrypto (weak) or AES-256; the file names stay visible |
| Opens in | WinRAR, 7-Zip, Octoolo; File Explorer in Windows 11 since 2023 | Windows and macOS by themselves, and most phones |
| Made by | WinRAR only | Windows, macOS and nearly every archiver |
| Best for | Big downloads split into parts | Sending files to anyone |
| Since | 1993, Eugene Roshal | 1989, Phil Katz (PKWARE) |
What changes, and what does not
The files themselves come out exactly as they went into the RAR, with their folders and dates, and go into the ZIP compressed with Deflate, which every ZIP tool reads. Photos, videos and other compressed files are stored as they are. Expect the ZIP to be about the same size as the RAR or somewhat bigger, since RAR usually compresses harder.
The ZIP has no password, even when the RAR had one, so that anyone can open it: that is usually the point of converting. To lock it, extract the RAR and compress the files again with Add a password on (see password-protect a ZIP). Links stored in the RAR are left out.
Why not just rename it?
Renaming file.rar to file.zip changes only the name: the inside is still RAR, and ZIP tools will say it is damaged. A real conversion unpacks every file and packs it again, which is what Convert to ZIP does. Nothing is kept in memory all at once, so big RARs convert as easily as small ones; the disk needs room for the new ZIP.
Converting without uploading
Online converters upload the RAR to their server, convert it there and send the ZIP back, which takes as long as your connection allows, often caps the size, and hands your files to someone else. Octoolo does the work on your PC. The same button turns 7Z files into ZIPs: see 7Z to ZIP.
Octoolo or an online converter?
| Detail | Octoolo | A typical online tool |
|---|---|---|
| Your files | Stay on your computer | Usually uploaded to the site's server |
| Without internet | Works | Does not work |
| File size | No limit | Often capped on free use |
| Watermarks and ads | None | Common on free plans |
| Cost | $4.99 a month, all 17 apps | Free with limits, or a plan per site |
Questions, answered
Is the RAR deleted?
No. It stays as it was; the ZIP is a new file beside it.
Can I convert a password-protected RAR?
Yes, with its password. The ZIP comes out without one.
Can I convert ZIP to RAR?
No. Only WinRAR can create RAR files.
Can I convert several RARs at once?
One at a time: open the next RAR and press Convert to ZIP again.
RAR to ZIP, and 16 more apps.
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