Essential Guide: How to Download Free RAR File Extractors To open or extract a RAR file for free, you typically need a third-party application because standard versions of Windows (prior to Windows 11) and macOS do not natively support this format. While is the most famous tool, it is technically shareware with a trial period, though many users continue using it indefinitely. For a truly free, permanent solution, 7-Zip and PeaZip are the top-rated open-source alternatives. Top Free RAR Extractors for Every Device (2026) How to Open RAR Files on Windows, Mac, and Mobile - Avast