Release expected in autumn
Microsoft has finally begun to implement what has been expected of it for decades – built-in OS support for working with archive files, in addition to ZIP. The latest test build of Windows 11 has a preview of built-in support for popular archives – RAR, TAR, 7Z and others. This will allow you to work with them without having to install third-party solutions, like the legendary WinRAR.
Windows 11 build 23493 is currently available for download as part of the Windows Insider program in the Dev channel. In the stable version, the innovation can be expected along with the release of Windows 11 23H2, which is scheduled for September 2023.
Those who wish can test native support for RAR, TAR, 7z other archives in Windows 11
Windows 11 Build 23493 has native support for archives such as RAR and 7Z. This means that you can right-click on any archive and extract the contents to any folder on your device. Similarly, you select folders or files and zip them into the following supported archives:
- .tar, .tar.gz, .tar.bz2, .tar.zst, .tar.xz, .tgz;
- .tbz2, .tzst, .txz;
- .rar, .7z.
Microsoft notes that at least one annoying problem with archive support is now known. When you’re in File Explorer and trying to copy files from large archives, or using the built-in Extract All feature in Windows 11, performance may not be as expected.
