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RAR and WinRAR Uninstallation FAQ
How do I uninstall WinRAR (Add/Remove Programs)?
How do I uninstall WinRAR (Not Listed in Add/Remove Programs)?
How do I uninstall WinRAR (Add/Remove Programs)?
WinRAR works like any typical Windows application, so the removal is handled in the same fashion as most Windows programs. It is NOT recommended that you simply delete the WinRAR program folder, as this does not remove the application properly.

NOTE: If you have a license for WinRAR, be sure to back up the rarreg.key or rarreg.txt file in the C:\Program Files\WinRAR folder, in case you need to reinstall later on.
  • Windows XP, Server 2003, Windows 2000, and older Windows versions
    1. Click on Start
    2. Click on Control Panel
    3. Double-click on the Add/Remove Programs icon
    4. Select WinRAR Archiver from the list of applications
    5. Click on the Remove button
    6. When prompted "Do you want to continue with uninstall WinRAR", click the Yes button
    7. Uninstallation will now take place. A reboot may be required.
  • Windows Vista, Windows 7, Server 2008 and Server 2008R2
    1. Click on the Windows button (Start button)
    2. Click on Control Panel
    3. Click on the "Uninstall a Program" link
    4. Double-click on WinRAR Archiver from the list of applications
    5. Windows will likely ask you for your permission to continue, Click the Continue button
    6. When prompted "Continue with uninstall WinRAR", click the Yes button
    7. Uninstallation will now take place. The WinRAR Archiver item will disappear from the list. A reboot may be required.
  • Windows 8
    1. Get to your desktop by clicking on the Desktop tile.
    2. Bring up the Charms bar by moving the mouse into a corner (or activating it through touch)
    3. Click on the Settings charm
    4. Click on the Control Panel setting option
    5. Click on the "Uninstall a Program" in the Programs section
    6. Click on WinRAR and then click on Uninstall from the menu above
    7. When prompted "Continue with uninstall WinRAR", click the "Yes" button
    8. Uninstallation will now take place. The WinRAR item will disappear from the list. A reboot may be required.
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How do I uninstall WinRAR (Not Listed in Add/Remove Programs)?
The most effective way to remove WinRAR from a system when WinRAR is not listed in the Add/Remove Programs control panel is to download a current version for your system and install it. This will recreate the items that are missing. Once complete, then go to the control panel and remove the application as normal.
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