How to Install UNRAR on Linux Mint 22 or 21

Unrar is a popular utility for extracting files from RAR archives, a common compressed file format. On Linux Mint 22 or 21, you have two primary options for installing unrar: unrar and unrar-free. The key difference between these two lies in their functionality and licensing.

• unrar: This is a non-free (proprietary) version provided by RARLAB, the developers of the RAR format. It supports all RAR compression methods and is fully compatible with RAR archives, including those created with the latest versions of WinRAR.
• unrar-free: This is an open-source alternative to unrar. While it provides basic functionality for extracting files from older RAR archives, it does not support newer RAR formats or advanced features like password-protected archives.

Installing unrar through the APT repository is recommended if you need complete compatibility with all RAR files. In contrast, unrar-free might suffice for older or simpler RAR archives users.

This guide will walk you through the installation process for both options on Linux Mint 22 or 21 using the command-line terminal.

Update Linux Mint Before UNRAR Installation

Begin by updating your Linux Mint operating system. This step ensures that all packages on your system are current, which is crucial for a smooth installation of UnRAR.

Open your terminal window and execute the command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

This command first updates the list of available packages and their versions (sudo apt update) and then upgrades the installed packages to their latest versions (sudo apt upgrade).

Option 1: Install UNRAR via APT Command

After updating your system, proceed to install UnRAR with the following command:

sudo apt install unrar

This command installs the RARLab’s version of UnRAR, a robust and widely-used version, making it a preferred choice for handling RAR files in Linux Mint.

Verify the installation by bringing up the help menu:

unrar --help

Next, given the difference between unrar and unrar-free, bring up the information on unrar with the following command:

man unrar

Option 2: Install UNRAR-free via APT Command

Alternatively, consider installing the unrar-free package if your preference leans towards open-source software. While it’s a non-proprietary version, it’s important to note that it lacks support for RAR 4 and 5 formats.

To install unrar-free, use:

sudo apt install unrar-free

Lastly, verify the installation and bring up the help menu:

unrar-free --help

For further information:

man unrar-free

Remember that the unrar-free version may have different command usage than the standard UnRAR commands. This distinction is particularly relevant if you frequently work with RAR 4 or 5 files, where the unrar-free version might not meet your needs.

Conclusion

With unrar or unrar-free successfully installed on your Linux Mint system, you can easily manage RAR archives according to your needs. If you require full support for all RAR features, including the latest compression methods, unrar is the preferred choice. However, unrar-free is a suitable alternative if you prefer an open-source solution and only need basic extraction capabilities.