Uninstall WinRAR

WinRAR is a popular file compression tool, but you may want to uninstall it if you no longer use it or prefer alternative software like 7-Zip or WinZip. Below are several methods to completely remove WinRAR from your Windows PC.

Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings (Standard Method)

This is the easiest way to remove WinRAR using Windows’ built-in uninstaller:

Open Windows Settings

Press Win + I to open Settings.
Go to Apps (or Apps & Features in older Windows versions).

Locate WinRAR in the Installed Apps List

Scroll down or use the search bar to find WinRAR.

Uninstall WinRAR

Click on WinRAR and select Uninstall.
Follow the prompts to complete the removal.

Restart Your Computer (Recommended)

Some registry entries may still remain, but this removes the main program.

Method 2: Uninstall via Control Panel (Older Windows Versions)

If you’re using an older version of Windows (Windows 7 or earlier), you can uninstall WinRAR via the Control Panel:

Open Control Panel

Press Win + R, type control, and press Enter.

Go to Programs and Features

Click on Uninstall a program under Programs.

Find and Uninstall WinRAR

Locate WinRAR in the list, right-click it, and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

Restart Your PC (Optional but recommended).

Method 3: Manual Uninstallation (Advanced Users)

If WinRAR is corrupted or leaves behind files, you can manually remove it:

First, Uninstall WinRAR via Method 1 or 2.
Delete Remaining WinRAR Files

Press Win + R, type %appdata%, and press Enter.
Delete any WinRAR folders.
Repeat for %programdata% and %localappdata%.

Remove WinRAR from Program Files

Go to C:\Program Files\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\.
Delete the WinRAR folder if it exists.

Clean the Registry (Caution Advised)

Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\WinRAR
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WinRAR
Right-click and Delete these keys.

Restart Your PC to apply changes.

⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry can cause system issues if done incorrectly. Backup your registry before making changes.

Method 4: Use Perfect Uninstaller (Best for Complete Removal)

If WinRAR leaves behind traces or won’t uninstall properly, Perfect Uninstaller can force-remove it and clean leftover files, folders, and registry entries.

Steps to Uninstall WinRAR with Perfect Uninstaller:

Download Perfect Uninstaller (Official Site)
Install and Run as Administrator (Right-click → Run as Admin).
Locate WinRAR in the installed programs list.
Click “Uninstall” – Perfect Uninstaller will first run the standard uninstaller.
Scan for Leftover Files & Registry Entries

After standard uninstallation, it scans for remaining traces.

Click “Complete Uninstall” to remove all leftovers.
Restart Your PC to ensure full removal.

Why Use Perfect Uninstaller?

✔ Removes stubborn programs that won’t uninstall normally
✔ Deletes leftover files, folders, and registry keys
✔ Prevents software conflicts from old registry entries
✔ Works for corrupted or partially installed programs

Final Recommendations

If you just need a quick uninstall, Method 1 (Windows Settings) is sufficient.
If WinRAR is corrupted, Method 4 (Perfect Uninstaller) is the best choice.
After uninstalling, you can try alternatives like 7-Zip, PeaZip, or WinZip.

Would you like recommendations for WinRAR alternatives? Let me know! 🚀

How to Uninstall WinRAR: Complete Removal Guide