This update is a historical milestone for the operating system, as it provides this capability for the first time in its history. The inclusion of these extensions means much more than a simple technical improvement, as it enhances the possibility of a future without dependence on the venerable WinRAR, that eternal ally that has saved more than one person trouble. Windows 11 takes it a step further, inching closer to a horizon where the management of compressed files will become more accessible and fluid than ever.
30 years later
In an exciting announcement made during the annual Microsoft Build conference, the company revealed its plans to introduce a future update for Windows 11 that will revolutionize the way compressed files are handled. For the first time in the operating system’s history, users will be able to enjoy native support for multiple compression formats, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
This next update will bring a wider range of supported archive formats, including the popular tar, 7-zip, rar and gz, as well as other formats based on the well-known LibreArchive library. This native integration promises to greatly improve the performance and functionality of file compression in Windows environments.
It is surprising to know that despite its invention in 1989, rar files were never before available on any version of the operating system without the need for additional tools. Similarly, 7z files, a standard introduced in 1999, are still out of reach for Windows users. However, it is important to mention that this exciting functionality will be exclusively available in the latest version of Windows.
With this groundbreaking update, Microsoft is demonstrating its commitment to providing a more complete and seamless user experience when it comes to storage management. Windows 11 users will be able to enjoy greater convenience and efficiency by not having to rely on external tools, paving the way for a future where file compression is more accessible than ever.
End of winrar
The introduction of native support raises questions about the future of WinRAR. For many years, users used the program without purchasing a license after a 40-day trial, as its core functionality was accessible even without purchasing it. As a result, the number of users who have purchased a valid license to unzip Zip files has been relatively small.
However, it’s important to note that Windows 10 won’t be mandatory to drop until 2025, meaning users will be able to continue using WinRAR as an external alternative to open and unzip files in this version of the operating system. Although Windows 11 features native support for a wide range of compression formats, those who prefer to continue using WinRAR on Windows 10 will be able to do so, albeit without natively taking advantage of the built-in functionality. without the option of
As more users upgrade to Windows 11 and take advantage of file compression improvements without the need for additional software, WinRAR’s popularity could take a hit. With the functionality native to the operating system, users may find it more convenient to use the built-in solution rather than installing additional programs.
However, it is difficult to predict the exact fate of WinRAR. While some users will continue to use it on older versions of Windows, its relevance may gradually diminish as more people upgrade to newer operating systems. Windows 11’s native support for RAR and 7Z archives could herald a change in the archive compression landscape, with users looking for more integrated and efficient solutions, thus questioning the need for external programs like WinRAR.
