"Download PeaZip" is often typed by someone tired of trial-period nag screens from commercial archivers like WinRAR. Giorgio Tani built PeaZip as a free, open-source alternative and has kept it that way since its first release, with no trial period or feature paywall. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and its interface stays largely the same across all three so switching platforms does not mean relearning the tool. Here is the direct link plus a look at its format support, which is its main draw.
Format Support and Extraction-Only Formats
PeaZip can create archives in common formats like ZIP and 7Z but only extracts from others — including RAR — since RAR's compression algorithm is proprietary and PeaZip's open-source license does not permit implementing RAR's creation side. This covers the vast majority of real-world use: opening a RAR someone sent you works fine, you just cannot create new RAR archives.
On Windows, PeaZip also integrates directly into File Explorer's right-click menu after install, which is where most people end up using it day to day.
Who ends up using PeaZip
People who just need to open a RAR someone emailed them, without a trial nag, use PeaZip.
- Users opening RAR archives sent by others without installing WinRAR's trial
- IT support staff extracting mixed-format archives across Windows, macOS, and Linux machines
- Anyone compressing large file sets into ZIP or 7Z before uploading or emailing
Before you install
A couple of things worth knowing about PeaZip before you request the link: it covers Windows, macOS and Linux, so pick the right build for the machine you're setting up. And on pricing, PeaZip is open source, so the installer is free with no trial timer, feature lock, or upsell screen to click past. It's developed and maintained by Giorgio Tani.
System requirements
- WindowsWindows 10 or 11 (64-bit); older 7/8.1 builds usually still run but no longer get official support
- macOSa recent macOS release — check the download page for the current minimum version, since Apple Silicon vs Intel builds sometimes differ
- Linuxmost current 64-bit distributions; look for a native .deb/.rpm/AppImage or a package in your distro's own repository
It's a lightweight tool, so there's no serious CPU/RAM/storage requirement beyond what its OS already needs to run comfortably.
Quick steps
- Download the PeaZip installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux
- Install and allow the right-click context menu integration if offered
- Right-click any archive file to extract, or select files and choose Add to Archive
PeaZip: the honest trade-offs
- Supports well over 200 different archive formats
- Integrates directly into Windows Explorer's right-click menu
- No trial period or nag screens, ever
- Can only extract RAR files, not create new ones
- Interface looks dated next to modern archive managers
The download here links to Giorgio Tani's official PeaZip project page, the same source listed on peazip.github.io.
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Keeping PeaZip up to date
Since PeaZip is open source, most Linux distributions keep it current through their own package manager. On Windows/macOS, re-running the installer from the official site (or an updater built into the app, if it has one) gets you the latest release. Sticking to the developer's own distribution channel — which is what this page links to — means you're never stuck on an old build with unpatched bugs just because a mirror site stopped updating its copy.
Features, install steps, alternatives and more detail live on the main PeaZip page.
Frequently asked questions
Can PeaZip create RAR archives, not just open them?
No, RAR's proprietary format only allows extraction in open-source tools like PeaZip; use ZIP or 7Z for creating your own archives.
Does PeaZip replace Windows' built-in zip support?
It can, since it adds right-click Explorer integration for far more formats than Windows handles natively, though this is optional during install.
