WinRAR 5.40 Review

[tarekma7]

 
Overview:
 
Archive format is one of the most commonly used formats nowadays. It has many values for computer users. You can backup and archive your important data. Also, you can compress your archived files thus free up more disk space. In addition, you can combine many files into one archive which render it easy sent or transferred with no effort.
 
There are many known archive formats such as ZIP, RAR, 7Zip, ISO, CAB and many more. Also, there are many archiving software available in the market. This make usual users think how to select the best software that suite all their needs. Of course,  you need a software that is easy to use with friendly interface, doesn’t cause slowdown of your computer, support all compression formats, compatible with all windows versions, with reasonable price. All these features and many more are available in WinRAR.
 
WinRAR is a powerful windows archiver software that can create compressed files in both RAR and ZIP formats. It can unpack most known file formats such as RAR, ZIP, ISO, CAB, 7ZIP and many more. The program was first developed by Eugene Roshal (developer) and Alexander Roshal (Distributor) in 1995.
 
It the most popular archiving software with more than 500 million users of the program worldwide. It is an essential archiver software that all users need. Moreover, it is compatible with all platforms including windows, Linux, FreeBSD, Mac OS X and Android.
 
Homepage:
 
http://www.win-rar.com
 
Current version: 5.40
 
Release date: August 16, 2016
 
Size: 2 Mb
 
Price: $29
 
System Requirements:  
 
WinRAR is compatible with all windows versions from windows XP SP3 to windows 10. Both 32 and 64 bit versions are supported. No special requirements are needed
 
Download and Installation:
 
The free trial version can be downloaded from the official website here:
http://www.win-rar.com/download.html
Installation of the program is very easy. Simply double click on the installer and follow on screen instructions. Within a few seconds, WinRAR will be installed and working on your computer.
 
The program is a trialware product that offers users 40 days free full functioning evaluation version with no cost. This will give you enough time to test all the features of the program. After the trial is over, you will have to purchase a license. Two types of licenses are available; home single computer license (can be used on all home computers and devices of the customer) and business multiple usage license (can be used on one computer for each customer). Business license is suitable for companies.
 
Purchase and activation:
 

 
You can have a license (home type) from the official website or from one of the regional dealers. The price is reasonable ( 29$). Some information will be needed during purchase such as name (first and last), email address, company, zip code, city and country. This information will be stored in the license database to find the customer if key lost and need to be resend. Your license key will be emailed to you. Simply copy the key in the program directory to register. Another easy way is to open the key archive (.rar file) and confirm the message that appear. That’s all!
 
As a licensed user, you will get many benefits such as use on all home computers, professional support, free professional support, continuous development and free language versions
 
User Interface:
 

 

 

 
The user interface is very friendly and easy to use. The menu bar is present in the upper part of the main program window and includes 6 buttons; file, command, tools, favorites, options, help. The main working toolbar is present below the menu bar and includes all the features you will need during usual daily activities. These include add, extract to, test, view, delete, find, wizards, information and repair. You can customize this toolbar according to your needs. For example, you can add more buttons from the settings options.
 
The address bar includes the address of the selected files, folders or archives. Just to the left of the address bar is the up one level button which helps you to move to the previous window or archive. The main program area shows the files, folders and archives arranged with full information about name, size, type and modification date. The lowest bar showed information about the folders and files selected, system drivers and program passwords.
 
WinRAR has two views available. When you open the program you will be able to browse all files and folders in an easy way. The archives present on your computer can be seen and opened (Archive view). The files and folders can be easily browsed using the program (file view)
 
For those who like to change program skin, just download many themes from the official website and open it in WinRAR to install. Installed themes can be selected in the "Options/Themes" WinRAR menu to enjoy using the program in your preferred skin. You can download the themes here:
 
http://www.rarlab.com/themes.htm
 
If you want to create your own theme and use it, follow the guide present here:
 
http://www.rarlab.com/themes_new.htm
 
You can also use WinRAR logos created by other users; please visit here:
 
http://www.rarlab.com/logo.htm
 
Features:
 
Supports all popular compression formats such as RAR, ZIP and non RAR archives including; CAB, ARJ, LZH, ACE, TAR, GZip, UUE, ISO, BZIP2, Z and 7-Zip.
Best Compression to speed ratio
Combine files split to multiple parts with .001, .002, ... extensions. Open .001 file as a usual archive and then unpack its contents.
Integrated additional functions to help you organize your compressed archives.
Efficient, secure, fast and save disk space
Using solid archiving; it can raise compression ratio by 10% - 50% over more common methods
Helps you to split archives into separate volumes easily This is useful in many conditions as large sized files and save on several disks.
Easy to use and user friendly
Support right mouse click context menu
Accepted in all countries using Unicode
Helps you in fast email transmission and enables you to send many attached files
Support multimedia files: automatically recognizes and selects the best compression method.
Highly sophisticated, original compression algorithm optimized for text, audio, graphics
Shell Integration with support for drag and drop feature and wizard tool
Create self-extracting archives through the built in SFX tool
Integrated virus scan
Integrated search feature
Available in two forms; graphic interactive interface and command line interface
Recovery record and recovery volumes allow to reconstruct even physically damaged archives
Uses CRC32 and BLAKE2 checksums to check the integrity of each file in the archive
Backup your data
Supports encryption (256-bit password) to secure your files against unauthorized access
Small size
Easy to use with friendly user interface
Minimal system requirements
Compatible with windows 10
Available in both 32 and 64 versions
Multilingual support: WinRAR supports 50 languages which lets any user to enjoy using the program in his own language
Professional Customizable interface with support for many themes.
WinRAR licenses are valid for all available language and platform versions.
 
What's new in the latest version 5.40
 
The "Name encoding" submenu in "Options" menu allows to select encoding for archived file names.
Usability Enhancements: You can now drag folders from the folder tree panel and drop them to other programs or Desktop to copy or unpack them
SFX Feature
The maximum comment length for RAR archives has been increased from 64 to 256 KB.
Recovery Record
If an archive has a Recovery Record, it can be repaired even after having been damaged due to a defect on a disc or other data loss
Synchronization Feature
Previously "Synchronize archive contents" update mode (-as command line switch) aborted if some of the archiving folders could not be read. Now WinRAR continues performing the operation and preserves archived files matching unreadable folders.
Fixed “compress and email” with Outlook in WinRAR 5.31 x 64
 
A full list of the updates in the last version and all previous versions is available here:
http://www.win-rar.com/whatsnew.html
 
What is the formats supported by the program?
 
The main formats supported by the program are RAR, RAR5 and ZIP. The program can handle many other formats so that you don’t need to install other applications. These include 7Z, ACE, ARJ, BZ2, CAB, GZ, ISO, JAR, LZH, TAR, UUE, XZ, Z files.
RAR files offer better compression, better self-extraction multi volume, recovery record (reconstruct damaged files) and lock mode. ZIP format offers three main advantages; more popular, fast and can be opened without external programs
 
The program has four main features; open compressed files, data archiving, extraction of files from archives and wizards feature
 
Open RAR and Zip files:
 
The program helps you to open and manage RAR and ZIP formats. Also all supported file types can be managed using WinRAR. If you did not disable the option "Associate WinRAR with archives" during installation, it is easy to open an archive in WinRAR from Explorer or Desktop using simple double click. After installation you can associate the program with archives at any time using Integration settings


 
Archive Files:
 
You can add any files you want to an archive form. Simply select any files or folders and right click then from the context menu select add to archive. Alternatively, open WinRAR and browse to the file or folder then select add to archive or use the wizards. The archive formats supported include RAR and ZIP. Note that to create archives larger than 4 GB, you need to use NTFS, as older file systems do not support such large files.
 

 

 

 
Encryption: this feature is very important to protect your files against any unauthorized access. You can encrypt your files with 256-bit strong encryption feature (this AES-256 bit strong encryption feature is only available with RAR5 format). This can be easily done either during creation of an archive (using password button) or for any existing archive on your computer. All you have to do is to launch the program, select any archive you wish to encrypt, then select default password from file menu or the lower bar. You can apply this password for all archives you have and even encrypt file names if you need. RAR passwords can be stored in password manager which accessed using “organize passwords button”.  You will be able to edit or delete any password or move it up and down.
 

 

 

 
The program has many archiving options that will help you in many ways. As this is the most important feature in the program, I will discuss these options in details
 
Archiving options:
 
General options:
 
These options are suitable for advanced users and are of great help to you. You can do many actions including:
 
1. Specify the name of the output file

2. change save location on your computer.
 
3. Profiles:  
 
Using the drop down menu from profile button, you can easily create a new profile. In addition you can also organize and select compression profiles. Compression profiles allow you to quickly restore previously saved compression options or to specify default options for this dialog. There are few predefined profiles of the program. These are optimized for creating e-mail attachments, backup files and other operations.
 
4. Archive format:
 
Format of the newly created archive is selected by the user. Three options are available; RAR, RAR5 or ZIP. Depending on the format selected, some advanced options may be disabled.
"RAR5" is the latest version of RAR format added in WinRAR 5.0. It is characterized by more efficient recovery record, AES-256 encryption and larger dictionary sizes. All WinRAR versions lower than 5.0 (WinRAR 4.2 and lower) can't handle RAR5 format. 
 
5. Compression method:
 
Many options are available for you to choose from. These include; store, fastest, fast, normal, good and best methods.
 
Best: provides highest, but slowest compression,
Fastest: compresses poorly, but is very fast, suitable for daily backups
Store: adds files to archive with maximum possible speed, but without any compression.
Normal: suitable for everyday use like compressing email attachments.
 
6. Dictionary size: memory usage by the app for compression
 
7. Volume: if you want to split the archive into smaller parts, this option will specify the size of these parts in KB or MB or GB
For example: If you have large sized files or folders and you want to add to archive using WinRAR, you can split the archive into many smaller volumes with predetermined sizes or you can specify the size of the output files according to your wish. Finally start and the output archive will be automatically saved into smaller sized files
 

 
8. Update mode: Many options are available in this mode:
 
Add and replace files (default): Always replace archived files, which have same name as files to be added.
Add and update files. Replace archived files only if added files are newer
Fresh existing files only: Replace archived files only if added files are newer
Ask before overwrite. Ask for confirmation to overwrite archived files, which have same name as files to be added.
Skip existing files. Do not replace archived files
Synchronize archive contents. Replace archived files only if added files are newer and delete those archived files, which are not present in the added files. It looks similar to creating a new archive but faster.
 
9. Archiving Options:
 
Delete files after archiving: this option lets you delete the source files after being successfully archived.
 
Create SFX archive: this option lets you creates a self-extracting archive (exe file), which can be unpacked without using any other programs.
 
Create solid archive: RAR format is the only supported one in this option. It offers higher compression ratios.
 
Add recovery record: this feature help to restore an archive in case of damage.
 
Test archived files: this is useful if you have enabled "Delete files after archiving" so that the archive is successfully tested before you delete the source file.
 
Lock archive: this option prevents accidental modification of any of your files.
 
Set password: to encrypt your files. You can organize your passwords with the help of the built-in password manager 
 

 
Advanced options:
 
These options include the following:
 
Save file security (for example, owner, group, audit information), save file streams (save file stream data), store symbolic links as links, store hard links as links
 
Volumes include pause after each volume, old style volume names and recovery volumes
 
System; include background archiving, turn off PC when done, wait if other winrar copies are available
 
Recovery record, percent of total archive size, optimal is 3-10%
Compression, this option shows the advanced compression parameters (for advanced users only)
SFX Options, set of parameters for SFX dialogue
 

 
Options:
 
Include delete mode (modify the behavior of "Delete files after archiving), archive features and quick open information (suitable for large sized files).
 

 
Files:
 
Include files to add or to exclude. Files to store without compression, file path options (store full or relative path or drive letter), put each file in a separate archive and send archive to email address with the option to delete it thereafter
 

 
Backup settings:
 
Many file backup options are present under this button


 
Time: includes file time to store, file processing time and archiving time

 

Archive comments: this option lets you add some comments to your files. This can be entered either manually or loaded from a file.
  

 
Extraction of an archive:
 
The program has many options to help you extract any supported archive format in an easy way. You can use the right context menu items or extract here or extract to specific location. Just specify the destination and click OK. First open the archive file with WinRAR either from within the program or simply double click on the archive or use drag and drop onto the WinRAR icon. Finally, after opening the archive, select extract from the main bar.
During the extraction process, you can see the progress of the process on the dialogue window. You can cancel at any time to stop extraction. You can also minimize WinRAR to the tray to continue your work, simply use the "Background" button in this window. After complete extraction the window will disappear if successful or show error if there is any problem (for example corrupted files).
 

 

 

 
Wizards function:
 
This built-in feature helps you to create new archive or unpack (extract) any archive on your computer. In addition, you can easily add files to already present archive. When you start the wizard, you will have three options to select from according to the operation you want to do. If you want to create new archive, new dialogue will appear and lets you choose the file you want to archive. Click next, you will be directed to advanced options which allows you to add password to encrypt the file, split the output file, delete files after archiving, create self-extracting archive and faster less tight compression. After making your selections click finish. That's all!
 

 

 
If you want to update an existing archive, the process is very easy. Just select the files you want to add in the dialogue, next select the archive you want to update, you can use the browse button to find it easy, click next you will find the same advanced options, make your selections and finish.
 

 

 

 
You can also use the wizard to unpack (extract) any archive on your computer. You can use the file or the archive mode then select the destination you specify to extract the archive and finally start.
 

 

 
Right Context Menu:
 
The program integrates with windows explorer and offers the users many options through right context menu. You can easily add any file to archive and email immediately if you want. This will save a lot of time and effort with one click
 
Menus: To fully understand all the program features and become familiar with it, I will explain all the menus and all the features in each menu:
 
File menu:
 

 
Command menu:
 

 
Tools menu:
 

 
Favorites menu:
 

 
Options menu:
 

 
Help menu:
 

 
File menu: include open archive, save archive copy as, change drive, set default password, copy files from clipboard, paste files from clipboard, select all, select group, deselect all, invert select and exit
 
Open archive: this option lets you browse your computer to search for the archive you want to open and see contents
 
Save archive as: if you want to save a copy of your file
 
Change drive: this option let you change the hard disk drive where you save your archives. For example from drive C to drive D
 
Set default password; this option lets you encrypt your archive and organize the passwords used
 
Clip boards:
 
The program supports a very useful feature which lets you copy any files in an archive and paste files (to add to the archive)
 
Command menu includes add files to archive, extract to a specific folder, test archive files, view file, delete file, rename file, print file, extract without confirmation, add archive comment, protect archive from damage and lock archive
 
Add files to an archive; this option lets you add new contents to your saved archive
 
Extract contents to the specified folder: select the location you want to save the extracted files
 
Test Archives:
 
If you have a problem with any compressed archive format, WinRAR lets you easily test the file for any errors present. All you have to do is to open the program, browse to the file you want to check and click test.
 

 
View Files:
 
You can easily view the contents of any archive or folder using this feature.
 

 
Delete file:
 
You can easily delete any file inside an archive. All you have to do is to open the archive using WinRAR then select the file you want to delete with a single mouse click and click delete from the toolbar
 
Rename file:
 
This built in feature lets you easily change the name of any file included in an archive.
 
Print file:
 
This is a very nice feature which enables users to print any file you want whether in file management or archive management modes. In the example illustrated in the image below I have printed a file using virtual printer (Conversion to PDF)
 

 

 
Add comment:
 
You can add a comment to the compressed file using add comment option under command menu or comment button in the toolbar. For example, you can add your website, file information, notes that will help your friends when you send them RAR file
 

 
Protect archives:
 
This is a very useful built in feature which helps to protect your files from any damage. It supports RAR format only. You can run this tool from within the archive or open the program and select files or archives to protect. Finally click command menu and select protect archive from damage. This will add a recovery record to the currently opened or selected archives which is helpful in the repair operation.


 
Tools menu includes wizard, scan for viruses, convert archives, repair and convert to SFX. Also, find files, show information, generate report and benchmark
 
Wizard: discussed in details
 
Scan for viruses:
 
WinRAR lets you scan archives for viruses. You can easily specify the antivirus you have on your computer. Simply, select scan for viruses from Tools menu, then use browse button to specify your antivirus, finally click OK. You are done and your compressed archives will be automatically scanned using your antivirus. This will protect you from any viruses or malware.


 
File conversion:
 
WinRAR supports conversion of compressed files from one to another supported formats. To start conversion, click tools button, then file conversion option. Use add button to add the file you want to convert then select the output format from the available list. Finally select the save location and optional compress ration and start. The program will do everything for you.
 

 

 
Repair:
 
This feature helps you to repair corrupted or damaged archives. This will avoid data loss. Simply launch the program, specify the file you want to repair and select repair from the toolbar.
 

 
SFX Wizards:
 
This is a self-extracting format that help any user to open the compressed file even if he has not installed WinRAR on his computer. It has .exe extension. This built in tool is present in tools menu. You can easily select the archive file you want to convert then click “convert archive to SFX” in tools menu. You can also use WinRAR to open, view and even extract any file of this type if you don’t want to run it.
 

 

 
Find (search):
 
This important feature will help you to search for any files or archives on your computer. This will save your time and effort
 

 
Info button:
 
This feature will help you to get full information about any file or archive you have.

 
Generate report:
 
Using this tool, you can generate report of the opened archive or the selected files. You need to specify some parameters as the destination, send to printer, send to clipboard, format type (text or html) and sort order
 

 
Benchmark option:
 
Using "Benchmark" command you may compare performance of RAR compression algorithm on different computers. For example, when you need to choose a new computer and wish to know which one will compress data faster.

 

Favorites menu includes a list of user's favorite folders and archives. You can add any archive or folder to the list. Your favorites can be easily arranged, for example, edit, delete , move up and down.




 
Options; includes settings, import/export, file list, folder tree, themes, name encoding, view log and clear log
 
Settings: will be discussed in details later
 
Import and Export settings:
 
 to a file to be easily restored later. For example, after formatting your PC and program reinstall or purchase of a new computer.
 
Create WinRAR.ini file:
 
This feature allows users who will use WinRAR on the same computer (for example personal laptop) to send program registry settings in the form of a text file. This is not suitable if you are using different computers (for example WinRAR installed on removable media as USB Flash)
 
File list: you can sort files by details or only list
 
Folder tree:
 
this lets you show archive or disk folders
 
Themes:
 
You can download and organize program themes using this button. Get more themes redirect you to the website where you can easily find any themes you want
 
Help menu includes help topics, homepage and about window
 
Settings:
 
The program is customizable with the settings set to the default. This is enough for most users. Some advanced users can set the settings according to their wish. Settings are present in the “Option Menu” and include:
General settings include the options that control toolbar, buttons, system, history, interface, logging
Compression: include the options for file compression such as compression profiles, split volume sized, default folder for archives, default folder for extracted files,
Path: include folder for temporary files (used with removable disc) and start up folder
File list: list type, style, files, selection and set font
Viewer: Viewer type (Internal or external or associated program or ask), internal viewer options, external viewer name.
Security options as file types excluded from extraction, wipe temporary files and virus scanner
Integration options include the file types associated with the program, shell integration, Interface (add to desktop, start menu or create program WinRAR group) and context menu items.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Command line (Console RAR version):
 
This is a special RAR version for Windows which supports only the command line text mode interface. It is required to call RAR from BAT and CMD files or to use it at the command prompt. It supports a larger number of command line switches and commands
 
Pros: 
Archiving of files
Extract data from archives
Send multiple documents as a single file by email
Support many compressed file formats
Easy to use
Friendly user interface
Encrypted files
Backup files
Affordable price
And many more
 
Cons: None

Conclusion:

WinRAR is one of the best archiver software. It is easy to use and well known for most users. The program has a lot of useful features which together with the reasonable price, small size and continuous development render it the first choice for most users. I recommend to try it if not already using it

[clyde]

A very in depth review as always, tarekma7

[Askanag]

Tarek, your skill in writing reviews has become even higher. Thanks for review.

[baziroll]

as always best pro review. thanks for arranging review and giveaway

[scot]

Good indepth review.
Thank you.

[Mohammad]

Another Good review by Tarek, Thanks for the review Tarek.

[smieszko]

Thanks for the giveaway!