Many Windows users who move to Linux first look for WinRAR for Linux. It’s logical to think so. For years, WinRAR has been the default archiving tool on Windows. Users rely on it to open ZIP files, compress big folders, and handle backups.
But this is where the trouble starts.
When moving to Linux, you realize that WinRAR is not available in the same way as on Windows. There is no .exe installer to simply get it. No classic GUI. And many users pose questions such as: Is it possible to download WinRAR for Linux? How to install it? Or does Linux come preloaded with a better alternative?
Simply put, Linux is already equipped with powerful native archiving tools. More often than not, these tools are faster, lighter, and completely free. Still, WinRAR does offer a command-line version for Linux for those users who specifically want RAR support.
Here is what this article will teach you:
- How to download WinRAR for Linux
- How to install WinRAR for Linux
- How to use it from the terminal
- Best WinRAR alternatives for Linux
- When to choose native tools instead
- How CyberPanel helps manage backups and archives on Linux servers
Let’s clear this up straightforwardly and with practical examples.
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What is WinRAR for Linux?
WinRAR for Linux is the command-line version of the popular WinRAR archiving tool that allows users to create and extract RAR files on Linux systems. It does not include a graphical interface like Windows.
Unlike Windows, Linux focuses more on built-in tools like tar, gzip, and zip.
So WinRAR on Linux mainly exists for:
- Creating
.rararchives - Extracting
.rarfiles - Server-side automation
- Backup compression scripts
WinRAR Download for Linux
You can download WinRAR for Linux directly as a TAR package from the official site. However, it only provides terminal-based usage, not a GUI. When you are done with downloading, you can manually extract and install it. There is no app-store style installer.
How to Install WinRAR for Linux?
Installing WinRAR for Linux requires extracting the package and copying the binaries into your system path. It takes less than 2 minutes.
Step-by-step installation
1. Download package
wget https://www.rarlab.com/rar/rarlinux-x64.tar.gz
2. Extract files
tar -xvf rarlinux-x64.tar.gz
3. Enter directory
cd rar
4. Install
sudo make install
Expected output
rar and unrar installed successfully
Now you can use:
rar
unrar
from anywhere in your system.
How to Use TLP Linux? (Wait: wrong) -> How to Use WinRAR Linux?
Using WinRAR on Linux is simple but fully terminal-based. You create and extract archives using commands instead of clicks.
Create RAR file
rar a backup.rar folder/
Extract RAR file
unrar x backup.rar
List contents
unrar l backup.rar
Test archive
unrar t backup.rar
This makes it perfect for:
- scripting
- automation
- server backups
- cron jobs
Why Many Users Skip WinRAR on Linux?
Most Linux users tend to skip WinRAR because they are used to native tools that offer better compression, faster speed, and GUI support.
Linux consists of:
- tar
- gzip
- bzip2
- zip
- 7zip
These tools are:
- pre-installed
- open-source
- faster
- easier to integrate
So WinRAR is rarely necessary unless someone specifically needs .rar format.
How to Install WinRAR Alternative for Linux (Recommended)
Install 7zip
sudo apt install p7zip-full
Use 7zip
7z a archive.7z folder/
Extract
7z x archive.7z
7zip usually gives:
- smaller file size
- faster compression
- better efficiency
When Should You Actually Use WinRAR on Linux?
Use WinRAR only if:
- You must create
.rarfiles - Your clients require
.rar - You handle Windows users
- You need compatibility
Otherwise, Linux-native tools are smarter.
Common Problems with WinRAR Linux
No GUI
Everything is terminal-based.
Not pre-installed
Manual setup needed.
Limited integration
Does not connect with file managers.
Paid license
Unlike free Linux tools.
Best WinRAR Alternative for Linux
| Tool | GUI Available | Compression Type | Speed | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7zip (p7zip) | Yes | .7z .zip | Very Fast | Large files |
| tar + gzip | No (CLI) | .tar.gz | Fast | Linux backups |
| Ark | Yes | Multiple | Medium | KDE users |
| File Roller | Yes | Multiple | Medium | GNOME users |
| WinRAR Linux | No | .rar | Medium | RAR compatibility only |
Role of CyberPanel in Archive and Backup Management
When it comes to servers or hosting environments, trying to compress files manually is quite a hassle.
CyberPanel is your free and open-source web hosting control panel powered by OpenLiteSpeed. not only automates backups but also compresses and handles archives right on Linux servers without your intervention.
With CyberPanel, you can:
- create scheduled backups
- compress sites automatically
- restore archives easily
- manage files via GUI
- reduce storage usage
- avoid manual rar/zip commands
Instead of running:
rar
tar
zipYou just go on with the CyberPanel dashboard and click.
This is a big time saver for web admins and hosting providers.
Therefore, if your production is on Linux, CyberPanel eliminates entirely the need for manual WinRAR usage.
Final Thoughts
It is certainly nice and maybe even a little comforting if you are switching from Windows to Linux to have WinRAR for Linux to remind you of the good old days. But the fact is, Linux provides you with more advanced and intelligent tools right from the start.
Most people, therefore, should:
Use 7zip or tar
Skip WinRAR
Only bring it up to install if you really need to work with .rar files.
Furthermore, if you are into server or website management, you can always rely on CyberPanel to handle the compression and backup automation so that you do not have to rely on manual archiving anymore.
That is quicker, neater, and more professional!
People Also Ask
Q1: Can WinRAR for Linux open password-protected RAR files?
Yes. WinRAR for Linux supports encrypted and password-protected RAR archives. You can extract them using the unrar x -p command and enter the password securely through the terminal.
Q2: Does WinRAR for Linux support GUI file managers like Nautilus or Dolphin?
No. It does not integrate with Linux file managers. If you want right-click extraction inside Nautilus or Dolphin, use File Roller, Ark, or 7zip instead.
Q3: Is WinRAR for Linux free to use permanently?
WinRAR offers a trial period, but technically, it is commercial software. Linux alternatives like 7zip and tar are completely free and open-source with no license restrictions.
