WinRAR 7.10 is available for Windows 11, 10, 8 and 7 in both 64-bit and 32-bit builds. This release focuses on three areas users asked about most: bigger compression windows, a wider set of formats you can open without extra tools, and encryption defaults that no longer rely on anything legacy.
Larger compression dictionaries
In the 64-bit build the compression dictionary now reaches 1 GB instead of 256 MB. On large, highly repetitive inputs - build artifacts, database dumps, log archives - that means fewer repeated blocks in memory and better ratios without changing your workflow. The 32-bit build can still create archives with a 256 MB dictionary.
Practical notes:
- Bigger dictionaries need more memory. A 1 GB dictionary will not run on a 2 GB machine.
- Archives made with large dictionaries may not open in older third-party unarchivers.
- If you exchange archives with clients, keep a smaller dictionary or send a ZIP copy.
XZ extraction support
XZ archives - common in Linux distribution packages - can now be opened directly. Extraction works from the toolbar, the context menu and the command line. Creation of XZ archives is not part of this release; other formats remain available for creating archives.
Encryption moves to AES-256
In CBC mode the archived-data encryption changed from AES-128 to AES-256, and the key derivation function is now based on PBKDF2 using HMAC-SHA256. Passwords from older archives still work, but any archive created from 7.10 onwards uses the stronger defaults.
Passwords protect the data, not the file names. If names matter, check the option that also encrypts headers.
File times stored in UTC
File timestamps are now stored as Coordinated Universal Time instead of local time. Files exchanged between time zones behave more predictably, and archives restored after a daylight-saving change no longer show shifted timestamps.
Removed functionality
Authenticity verification did not reach the reliability level we require and has been removed in this release.
How to update
Install the 7.10 build over your existing copy. Settings, associations and archives are preserved. Business users with a site license can roll the update out with the command-line add-on and the deployment script included in the enterprise package.