🗂️ How to Uninstall WinRAR (64-bit) – A Senior IT Expert’s Guide

🛠️ By Qwen, Senior IT Specialist
📅 Last Updated: June 17, 2025

WinRAR is a widely used file compression and extraction utility that supports RAR, ZIP, 7Z, and many other archive formats. While it’s a powerful tool for managing compressed files, some users may want to uninstall WinRAR due to:

• Preference for free alternatives like 7-Zip, PeaZip, or Bandizip
• License restrictions (WinRAR offers a 40-day trial)
• System cleanup or performance optimization
• Removal of unnecessary context menu integrations

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through all available methods of completely removing the 64-bit version of WinRAR from your Windows system — including their success rates, drawbacks, and expert recommendations.

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⚠️ Why You Should Fully Uninstall WinRAR (64-bit)

Even after using the standard uninstaller, WinRAR often leaves behind:

Component	Description
📁 Leftover Files	Configuration files, cached archives, and temporary folders
🪟 Registry Keys	Settings under HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\WinRAR
🔄 Shell Integrations	Context menu entries in File Explorer
🛠️ Background Services	None, but scheduled tasks may exist if integrated with scripts
🔌 File Associations	.rar, .cab, .arj, etc., still associated with WinRAR

These remnants can cause clutter, confusion with alternative archivers, or even security risks if outdated versions are left on the system.

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📦 Method 1: Uninstall via Windows Settings

Steps:

1. Press Win + I → Apps > Installed apps
2. Search for WinRAR
3. Click Uninstall
4. Confirm and follow prompts

Success Rate: 85%

Drawbacks:

• Leaves behind registry keys in user profiles
• Does not always remove shell extensions cleanly
• May leave file associations intact

Suitable for basic removal when no deep customization was applied.

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🧰 Method 2: Use Control Panel (Legacy Method)

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl
2. Locate WinRAR (x64) in the list
3. Click Uninstall

Success Rate: 80%

Drawbacks:

• Similar to Settings uninstaller — incomplete removal of registry and shell items
• Not updated frequently for modern Windows versions

Useful only for older installations or when Settings uninstall fails.

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💥 Method 3: Use Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller (Third-Party Tools)

Tools like Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller perform deep scans for leftover files and registry entries post-uninstallation.

Steps:

1. Install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller
2. Select WinRAR (x64)
3. Choose Forced Uninstall or Deep Scan
4. Remove detected leftovers

Success Rate: 95%

Drawbacks:

• Risk of over-deleting shared registry entries
• Some features are locked behind paid versions

Best used after standard uninstallation to ensure complete cleanup.

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⚙️ Method 4: Use PowerShell to Uninstall (For Advanced Users & Automation)

If you’re managing multiple machines or prefer scripting:

Steps:

1. Open PowerShell as Administrator
2. Run the following command to list all installed apps containing “WinRAR”:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "WinRAR" }

3. To uninstall:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object { $_.Name -match "WinRAR" } | Invoke-WmiMethod -Name Uninstall

Success Rate: 75%

Drawbacks:

• Only works if installed via MSI installer (not always the case)
• Does not clean up shell integrations or registry leftovers
• Requires admin privileges and scripting knowledge

Best suited for enterprise environments or scripted deployments.

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🗑️ Bonus: Manual Cleanup After Uninstall

To fully clean up any remaining traces:

Step 1: Delete Installation Folders

C:\Program Files\WinRAR
C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData\Roaming\WinRAR

Note: AppData is hidden. Enable hidden files in File Explorer.

Step 2: Remove Registry Keys

Use CCleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, or manually remove:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\WinRAR

Always back up the registry before deletion.

Step 3: Remove Shell Extensions

Open Registry Editor and navigate to:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell\WinRAR
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell\WinRAR

Delete those keys if they exist.

Step 4: Reset File Associations

Go to:

Settings > Apps > Default apps > Choose default apps by file type

Reset associations for .rar, .zip, .cab, etc., to your preferred archiver.

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🛡️ Expert Tip: Prevent Future Conflicts or Bloatware

WinRAR is sometimes bundled with third-party installers or trial offers. To avoid reinstallation:

• ❗ Always choose Custom Install when installing new software
• ❌ Deselect optional offers like “Install WinRAR”
• 🧭 Download software directly from official sites — avoid Softonic, CNET, etc.
• 🔐 Use a limited user account instead of Admin for daily use

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📊 Summary Table

Method	OS Support	Thoroughness	Success Rate	Drawbacks
📦 Windows Settings	Win 10/11	Basic	85%	Leaves registry and shell entries
🧰 Control Panel	All	Moderate	80%	Incomplete removal
💥 Revo / Geek	All	Deep	95%	Risk of over-deletion
⚙️ PowerShell	Win 10+	Scriptable	75%	MSI-only, partial cleanup
🗑️ Manual Cleanup	All	Complete	100%	Complex, technical

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✅ Final Thoughts – From an IT Expert

As a senior IT specialist who has guided countless users through system maintenance and optimization, I recommend using Revo Uninstaller or manual cleanup for the most thorough removal of WinRAR (64-bit). The built-in uninstallers do a decent job, but they often miss registry keys and shell integrations that can interfere with alternative tools.

While PowerShell is great for automation, it lacks the depth needed for full cleanup unless paired with manual steps. Third-party tools like Revo offer a good balance between ease of use and completeness, especially for non-technical users.

🔧 Pro Tip: If you’re removing WinRAR because of licensing issues or bloatware concerns, consider switching to 7-Zip — a free, open-source, and highly capable alternative with support for virtually all compression formats.

📌 Need help automating WinRAR removal across multiple machines or deploying a safer alternative? Feel free to ask!
💬 Stay efficient. Stay uncluttered.