WinRAR's interface runs on its Commands menu, and almost every command has an Alt-key accelerator: add, extract, test and repair without touching the mouse. This list of WinRAR keyboard shortcut keys explains archive commands and selection shortcuts in plain words.
Archive Command Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Alt + A | Add files to an archive (opens the archive name and parameters dialog) |
| Alt + E | Extract files to a specified folder (Extract dialog) |
| Alt + X | Extract files to the current folder (no dialog) |
| Alt + T | Test the archived files for errors |
| Alt + R | Repair a damaged archive |
| Alt + I | Show archive/file information |
| Alt + V | View the selected file inside the archive |
| Alt + C | Add an archive comment |
| Ctrl + P | Set the default compression password |
| Ctrl + O | Open an existing archive |
| Enter (on a file inside an archive) | Open/run the file (extracted temporarily) |
| Delete | Delete the selected files from the archive |
| F2 | Rename the selected file inside the archive |
Navigation and Selection Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + A | Select all files in the list |
| Ctrl + click / Shift + click | Select multiple files (individual / range) |
| Spacebar (on a file in select mode) | Toggle-select the file while moving through the list |
| Backspace | Go up one folder level |
| Ctrl + D | Change the current drive |
| Ctrl + \ (backslash) | Go to the root folder of the drive |
| F5 | Refresh the file list |
| Ctrl + F | Find files inside the archive/list |
| Alt + F4 | Exit WinRAR |
| F1 | Help |
Tips for WinRAR Users
Alt + E is the everyday key — pick an archive, Alt + E, choose the folder, done. Before trusting a downloaded archive, Alt + T tests its integrity without extracting. Set Ctrl + P's default password only on your own machine; archives you share should get per-archive passwords from the Alt + A dialog instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I extract files in WinRAR with the keyboard?
Press Alt + E to open the Extract dialog, or Alt + X to extract straight into the current folder.
How do I create an archive in WinRAR with the keyboard?
Select the files and press Alt + A — the archive name and parameters dialog opens; Enter creates the archive.
How do I repair a damaged RAR file?
Open it in WinRAR and press Alt + R — WinRAR attempts to rebuild it using recovery records if present.
How do I set a password in WinRAR?
Press Ctrl + P to set the default password, or set one inside the Alt + A dialog (Set password button) for a single archive.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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