Windows 11 gets native support for RAR, 7Z, and TAR.GZ files

Windows 11 finally gets the expected native support for RAR, 7Z, and TAR.GZ files, among other compression formats. Preview build KB5031455 for the operating system, which can be installed as an optional update via Windows Update, rolls out the feature that was announced months ago by Microsoft.

The new feature allows compressed files to be opened directly through Windows 11 File Explorer, without the need to use decompression applications. Supplier can Retire WinRAR and its derivatives after decades as mandatory tools on computers.

Microsoft announced native support for RAR on Windows 11 in May, prompting WinRAR to joke about the situation on social media. Application account on the X platform (formerly Twitter) Posting the “It’s OK” meme– The one where the dog caught fire in the house – in reaction to the news.

Native support for RAR files

Native support for RAR files and other compressed formats in Windows 11 is made possible thanks to an open source solution from the Libarchive project.

The list of formats that can now be managed by File Explorer is:

• Rar
• 7Z
• tar
• TAR.GZ
• TAR.BZ2
• TAR.ZST
• TAR.XZ
• TGZ
• TBZ2
• TZST
• TXZ

The news arrives with the Moment 4 update to the operating system, which will be available to the general public from November 14. But interested parties can now request the optional preview update via Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog – Canaltech There is a tutorial that teaches you how to update Windows.

In addition to native support for compressed files, Preview introduces a number of new OS features, such as the Copilot generative AI assistant and a new file explorer.

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