Archive files like ZIP files and JAR files are a way to package multiple files as a single file, which can decrease the amount of space needed to store them. JAR stands for Java Archive, and it’s a package file format used to combine multiple Java class files and their associated resources like text and images into a single file. ..

Java applets and their components can be downloaded in a single HTTP request by using JAR files. ..

If you try to open a JAR file without having the correct software installed, you might see an error saying, “Unable to access JAR file.” In that case, try one of the following methods to open a JAR file on your Windows computer. ..

  1. By double-clicking on the JAR file in Windows Explorer.
  2. By using the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) installed on your computer. ..

We will take a look at apps to help you browse and examine the contents of JAR files.

Apps to Open JAR Files on Windows

  1. The Windows Explorer: This is the default program used to browse and view JAR file contents on a Windows computer. It’s a simple program that lets you navigate through folders and files, as well as view their contents.
  2. Java: If you want to open JAR files using Java, you’ll need to install the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). This is a software package that helps you run Java applications.
  3. Jar Commander: This app can be found in the Windows App Store and it’s designed specifically for opening JAR files. It allows you to select which files you want to open and how they should be opened, making it an easy way to access all of the content in a JAR file.

1. WinRar

WinRar is a shareware program that you can download and use for free. However, it will constantly remind you to purchase a license. In any case, download WinRar, install it, and open a JAR file with it. Once you’ve opened the JAR file with WinRar, you can extract its contents. ..

2. 7-Zip

7-Zip is an archive viewer and extractor that you can use to open JAR files. Unlike WinRar, 7-Zip is free and open source. Download it for Windows here. Once you’ve installed it, you can open a JAR file, extract it, and view the files the archive contains. Simply right-click on the JAR file, choose Open With and select 7-Zip File Manager.

If you don’t see the option to open the file with 7-Zip File Manager, select the Choose another app option, and choose 7-Zip File Manager from the list: If you don’t see the option to open the file with 7-Zip File Manager, select the Open in a new window or tab option, and choose 7-Zip File Manager from the list:

The Always use this app to open .jar files option makes 7-Zip the default JAR file viewer.

Apps to Open a JAR File Online

If you can’t find the file you’re looking for on your computer, one option is to try downloading it from an online service. There are several options available, and all of them allow you to drop a JAR file into the website and download the contents. This is a good option if you don’t often encounter archives like this and don’t want to install new software. ..

3. Online Archive Extractor

The Online Archive Extractor is a browser-based tool that you can use to extract several kinds of archive files, including JAR files. The site is secure, and, since the tool works locally inside the browser (i.e., not server-side), you can rest assured that your files won’t be sent over the internet. You’ll also find that extracting JAR files using the Online Archive Extractor is faster than some other archive extractors since virtually no data is being transferred online. ..

4. AppsCMS JAR File Opener

The JAR File Opener from AppsCMS is different than the Online Archive Extractor. It transfers your file to its servers, but it also assures users that “We store your Jar files only for a very short duration for extracting content and then delete the files. We do not store any of your JAR or contents of your JARs.” Since it’s online too, this option will also work on Mac, Linux, Ubuntu, and all flavors of Windows.

5. Online Java Decompiler

The Online Java Decompiler is a simple tool that decompiles .jar and .class files online. It can extract text files from JAR files, or other types of files that require additional apps to view them.

6. EzyZip’s Extract Jar File Tool

EzyZip is a better online JAR file opener because it has more features than the other openers. Some files extracted with EzyZip can be previewed in a browser, and you can also save multiple files and folders into a target folder. ..

7. FreeFileConvert

The Convert JAR to ZIP tool from FreeFileConvert can convert your JAR file into a ZIP file that you can open natively in Windows. The JAR file you want to convert can be on your computer or in a cloud service like Google Drive or Dropbox. Additionally, if you have the URL of a JAR file you can enter it and use this tool to convert it to a ZIP file.

Running JAR Files with the Java Runtime Environment

We’ve discussed ways of viewing JAR files. If you want to run those files, you’ll need to use the Java Runtime Environment. Check out our article on how to run JAR files on Windows to learn how to install Java on your computer and run JAR files in the Java Runtime Environment.