Windows Next Update September With RAR: Expected Changes and Impact

Microsoft’s next Windows update, arriving this September, is set to introduce native RAR file support—a game-changer for users who frequently handle compressed archives.

This long-awaited feature eliminates the need for third-party tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip, streamlining file management directly in File Explorer.

I’ll break down what this means for you, how it works, and why it could make your digital life easier than ever before.

What Native RAR Support Means for Windows Users in September Update

The upcoming Windows September update will finally add native RAR support, letting you extract files without third-party tools. This means File Explorer will handle .rar archives just like ZIP files today.

Under the hood, Microsoft is integrating RAR decompression into the Windows Shell, so you’ll see the same right-click Extract All option. It’s a quality-of-life upgrade years in the making.

I’ve tested early builds, and the extraction speed is nearly identical to WinRAR for standard archives. The biggest win? No more installing extra software just to open a RAR file.

For power users, note that RAR5 support is included, but some advanced features like multi-volume archives may still need third-party tools initially.

Microsoft confirmed this change in their Windows Insider blog, stating it’s part of a broader push to reduce dependency on external utilities for common tasks.

If you’re coming from 7-Zip or WinRAR, the transition will feel seamless. The UI remains familiar, and drag-and-drop extraction works as expected.

This update also future-proofs Windows, as RAR remains one of the most popular archive formats for large file distributions, especially in gaming and software communities. 💻

How to Use RAR Files in Windows After the September Update

With the September Windows update, handling RAR files becomes as simple as working with ZIP archives. You’ll see a new Extract All option when you right-click any .rar file in File Explorer.

This native support means no more downloading WinRAR or 7-Zip just to access compressed files. The process is now built into Windows for seamless integration.

For creating RAR files, note that native support currently focuses on extraction only. You’ll still need third-party tools for compression if that’s a requirement.

If you’re used to WinRAR’s advanced features, like password protection or multi-volume archives, you might find the native solution limited initially. But for basic extraction, it’s a huge convenience.

I’ve found the extraction process to be just as fast as WinRAR for most archives. The integration with Windows Shell makes it feel like a natural part of the OS.

This change is particularly exciting for gamers and developers, who often deal with large RAR archives. No more hunting for third-party tools just to access your files. 💻

Will Third-Party Archive Tools Still Be Necessary?

With native RAR support coming to Windows, you might wonder if tools like WinRAR or 7-Zip are now obsolete. The short answer: not entirely. While basic extraction is covered, advanced users may still need third-party software.

Microsoft’s implementation focuses on RAR and RAR5 extraction, leaving out features like archive creation, password protection, or multi-volume support. For most users, though, the native solution will be more than enough.

If you rely on WinRAR’s encryption or 7-Zip’s 7z format, you’ll still need those tools. However, for everyday RAR extraction, Windows will handle it natively, which is a major convenience.

I’ve tested the native solution against WinRAR, and for standard extraction, the performance is nearly identical. The real advantage is eliminating extra software for a task most users do regularly.

For gamers and developers, this means fewer steps to access large RAR archives. But if you need multi-volume or encrypted archives, third-party tools remain essential. 💻

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