{"slug":"how-to-split-rar-files-into-multiple-parts","locale":"en","isFallback":false,"translationAvailable":["en","id"],"translationUrls":{"en":"/api/posts/how-to-split-rar-files-into-multiple-parts?locale=en","id":"/api/posts/how-to-split-rar-files-into-multiple-parts?locale=id"},"title":"How to Split Large Files into Multiple Parts with WinRAR","description":"A practical step-by-step guide to splitting large files into smaller RAR parts with WinRAR, including ideal size settings and extraction tips.","date":"2026-03-17","updated":"2026-03-19","tags":["windows","winrar","archive","tutorial"],"category":"Apps","content":"\nAs a blogger who occasionally shares large game files or software packages, I often get the same request: \"Can you split this into parts so it is easier to download?\"\n\nAnd honestly, that request makes total sense.\n\nWhen a file is divided into smaller chunks, users can download part by part with less risk of a failed full download. It is also more practical in many everyday situations.\n\nFor example:\n- Sending files through email services with attachment limits.\n- Saving large files across multiple flash drives or older storage media.\n\nThe good news is that **WinRAR** has this feature built in, and the process is very straightforward.\n\n## Quick Size Guide (Before You Start)\n\nChoosing the right part size will save a lot of trouble for both uploader and downloader.\n\n| Use Case | Recommended Part Size | Why |\n|---|---:|---|\n| Email attachment workflow | `20M` to `24M` | Stays under common 25 MB limits after metadata overhead. |\n| Messaging apps / quick sharing | `50M` to `100M` | Easier to retry if one upload fails. |\n| Cloud drive with unstable internet | `100M` to `250M` | Good balance between speed and retry cost. |\n| Flash drive transfer (older devices) | `500M` | Safer for mixed storage quality and copy interruptions. |\n| Archival backups on local disk | `1000M` or more | Fewer parts to manage when network reliability is not a concern. |\n\nIf you are unsure, start with **`100M`**. It is usually the safest practical default.\n\n## #1 Install WinRAR First\n\nIf WinRAR is not installed yet, download it first. It is also one of the [essential utilities we recommend after a Windows 11 installation](/blog/to-do-after-install-windows11).\n\nUse these download references from your publishing workflow:\n\n<DownloadButton id=\"winrar-installer-32bit\" />\n<DownloadButton id=\"winrar-installer-64bit\" />\n\nFor the latest official release source, you can also check [Official WinRAR Download](https://www.win-rar.com/download.html?&L=0).\n\n<Callout variant=\"warning\" title=\"Free Application\">\nWinRAR can be used for free. You may see a purchase reminder for the Pro license, but core features remain usable without a hard time limit.\n</Callout>\n\nInstallation is the same as any normal `.exe` app: run installer, follow prompts, done.\n\n## #2 Split a File into Multiple RAR Parts\n\nAfter WinRAR is installed, follow these steps.\n\n<Steps>\n   <Step>\n      **Prepare your target file or folder**\n      Decide which file or folder you want to split into multiple parts.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Open the WinRAR archive dialog**\n      Right-click the file/folder and choose **Add to archive...**.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Configure split-volume settings**\n      In the settings window, focus on these fields:\n      - **Archive name:** Change the output file name if needed.\n      - **Archive options:** Enable **Create solid archive** and **Add recovery record** for better integrity.\n      - **Split to volumes, size (most important):** Set the size for each part. You can pick presets or type manually, such as `100M` for 100 MB per part.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Start the split process**\n      Click **OK** and wait. WinRAR will generate files such as `.part1.rar`, `.part2.rar`, and so on.\n   </Step>\n</Steps>\n\n![WinRAR archive settings window showing how to split files into multiple volume parts.](/images/_posts/apps/winrar/split_rar.webp \"WinRAR split-to-volumes configuration in Windows.\")\n*The key setting is in **Split to volumes, size**.*\n\n## #3 How to Rejoin and Extract the Parts\n\nTo avoid extraction failure on the receiver side, there is one rule you must emphasize.\n\n### Keep All Parts in One Folder\n\nAll parts must be in the same directory, for example:\n- `file.part1.rar`\n- `file.part2.rar`\n- `file.part3.rar`\n\nIf one part is missing, extraction will fail.\n\n### Extraction Steps\n\n<Steps>\n   <Step>\n      **Make sure all parts are in one folder**\n      Verify every part file is present and stored in the same directory.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Start extraction from the first part**\n      Right-click `part1.rar` and choose **Extract Here** or **Extract to...**.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Let WinRAR merge automatically**\n      WinRAR will read the remaining parts and combine them during extraction.\n   </Step>\n</Steps>\n\nThat is it. Simple, practical, and very useful when handling large files.\n\n## Common Problems and How to Fix Them\n\nIf extraction fails, it is usually one of these:\n\n1. **One part is missing**\n   Download the missing part again. All part files must be complete.\n2. **One part is corrupted**\n   Re-download only the damaged part (not the whole set) and retry extraction.\n3. **Wrong extraction start point**\n   Always extract from `part1.rar`, never from `part2+`.\n4. **File names changed accidentally**\n   Keep original naming sequence. Renaming one file can break automatic chain reading.\n\n## Practical Integrity Check (Optional but Recommended)\n\nFor important files, verify after upload:\n\n<Steps>\n   <Step>\n      **Test extraction locally first**\n      Extract your own split archive once before sharing it.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Store all parts in a clean folder**\n      Avoid mixed folders with old test archives that use similar names.\n   </Step>\n\n   <Step>\n      **Use WinRAR recovery record for resilience**\n      Keeping **Add recovery record** enabled improves tolerance against minor data damage.\n   </Step>\n</Steps>\n\nFollowing these checks dramatically reduces “archive is corrupt” complaints from recipients.\n"}