Archives & disk images · .cab
What Is a CAB File?
A .cab file is a compressed archive Windows uses for installers and updates.
- Extension
- .cab
- Full name
- Windows Cabinet file
- Type
- Archive
- MIME type
- application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed
- Developed by
- Microsoft
Free CAB Tools
These run in your browser. Your CAB files are never uploaded.
About CAB Files
CAB, short for cabinet, is Microsoft's archive format for installers, drivers and Windows updates. It supports several compression methods and digital signatures. You will usually only see CAB files inside driver downloads or installation folders. Windows File Explorer opens them like folders, so you can extract the files without extra tools.
How to Open a CAB File
- Windows
- Double-click to view the contents in File Explorer and copy files out.
- Mac & Linux
- Use The Unarchiver on Mac, or cabextract on Linux.
CAB File Questions
How do I install a CAB update?
Run DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:file.cab in an administrator command prompt.
Can I delete CAB files in Windows folders?
Only temporary ones you created. Don't delete CAB files in system folders; use Disk Cleanup instead.