Microsoft breaks barriers in the world of file compression with an announcement that has left many speechless. Windows 11 has revealed its amazing novelty: native support for the popular RAR and 7Z formats. Will this be the end of WinRar?
This update marks a historic milestone for the operating system, as it is the first time in its history that it provides this capability. The inclusion of these extensions implies much more than a simple technical improvement, since it raises the possibility of a future without dependence on the venerable WinRAR, that eternal ally that has rescued more than one person in trouble. Windows 11 takes a step forward, approaching a horizon where the management of compressed files will be 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 to Windows 11 that will revolutionize the way we handle compressed files. 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 with it a wide range of supported archive formats, including the popular tar, 7-zip, rar and gz, as well as other formats based on the renowned libarchive library. This native integration promises to significantly improve the performance and functionality of file compression in the Windows environment.
It is surprising to discover that despite its invention in 1989, rar files have never before been available on any version of the operating system without the need for additional tools. Similarly, 7z files, a standard introduced in 1999, have also been out of reach for Windows users until now. However, it is important to mention that this exciting functionality will be available exclusively 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 managing archives. Windows 11 users will be able to enjoy greater convenience and efficiency by not relying on external tools, paving the way for a future where file compression is more accessible than ever.
The end of WinRAR
The introduction of native support raises questions about the future of WinRAR. For many years, users have used the program without purchasing a license after the 40-day trial, as its core functionality was still accessible even without purchasing it. As a result, the number of users who have purchased legitimate licenses to unzip ZIP files has been relatively low.
However, it is important to note that it will not be mandatory to leave Windows 10 until 2025, which means that users will be able to continue using WinRAR as an external option to open and unzip files in this version of the operating system. Although Windows 11 offers the convenience of 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 the option to take advantage of the built-in functionality natively.
As more users upgrade to Windows 11 and take advantage of file compression improvements without the need for additional software, WinRAR’s popularity may take a hit. With native functionality in the operating system, users may find it more convenient to use the built-in solution instead of installing additional programs.
However, it is difficult to predict the exact fate of WinRAR. Although some users will continue to use it on older versions of Windows, its relevance may gradually diminish as more people upgrade to the new operating system. Windows 11’s native support for RAR and 7Z archives could usher in a shift in the archive compression landscape, with users looking for more integrated and efficient solutions, thus calling into question the need for external programs like WinRAR.
