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

RAR (Roshal Archive) is the native archive file format for the WinRAR software that has a ".rar" extension. 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

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-1-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-1-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":552,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-2-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-2-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":553,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will open the file in WinRAR.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/81\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-4-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-4-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The destination path is the location of the folder where you want the extracted file to be saved.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-5-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-5-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The compressed files will be extracted to your designated folder.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-6-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-6-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since these files are no longer compressed, you should be able to play using your regular media player such as Windows Media Player.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Dziobas RAR Player

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2c\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-7-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-7-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/85\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-8-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-8-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-9-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-9-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/56\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-10-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-10-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-11-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-11-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/03\/Play-RAR-Files-Step-12-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Play-RAR-Files-Step-12-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Dziobas will temporarily decompress the file that is in RAR format and begin playing it.
    7. Advertisement


Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • 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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    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.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 9
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
      • 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.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      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.
        Thanks
      • RAR files cannot be opened by WinZip or the native File Explorer of most operating systems.
        Thanks
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      6 Easy Ways to Use Shortcut Keys to Shut Down a Windows PC
      4 Easy Ways to Paste Text Using Keyboard Shortcuts
      How to
      Make a Zip File
      How to
      Select All
      How to Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      How to
      Restart Windows 10
      How to Copy and Paste on Any Device
      How to Reset Your Graphics Drivers
      How to
      Bring an Off Screen Window Back on Windows
      How to Open Windows Task Manager: Menus, Shortcuts, & More
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      How To Refresh a Webpage: Desktop & Mobile
      How to
      Copy and Paste a Link
      How to
      Change Your Desktop Background in Windows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. https://www.rarlab.com/rar_file.htm
      2. https://www.watchingthenet.com/how-to-play-rar-files.html
      3. https://www.afterdawn.com/guides/archive/how_to_play_rar_files.cfm
      4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAR
      5. https://www.afterdawn.com/software/desktop/compression_tools/winrar.cfm

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 198,324 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Jun 23, 2016

        "Dziobas worked exactly as described."
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement