A CAB file is a Windows Cabinet file stored in an archive format.
The CAB format supports the data compression algorithms .ZIP, Quantum, and LZX. In addition, CAB files contain compressed data for Windows software installations, such as system files, network components, and device drivers.
In Windows 11 or Windows 10, you can install a CAB file using the Command Prompt or PowerShell. To install a CAB file, you use the utility (“DISM”).
You will not encounter CAB files very often. They are mainly used when installing drivers and standalone Windows update files. However, if you want to install a CAB file, you can do so in different ways. This article will tell you how to install a CAB file.
How to Install CAB file in Windows 11 or Windows 10
Install a CAB file using Command Prompt
As indicated in the accompanying text. To install a CAB file in Windows, you can use DISM through the Command Prompt.
Click on the magnifying glass or search bar in the Windows taskbar. In the search box type: Command Prompt. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt result and click “Run as Administrator”.
Next, to install a CAB file using DISM.exe, you will need the CAB file’s path.
Then type the following command to install the CAB file:
dism.exe /online /add-package /packagepath:"<path to CAB file>"
Replace <path to CAB file> with the path in the above command.
Install a CAB file via PowerShell
You can also install a cabinet file via PowerShell. This is how it works. First, click the Start button and search for PowerShell. Then, right-click on the Windows PowerShell result and click “Run as Administrator”.
Next, to install a CAB file via PowerShell, you will need the CAB file’s path.
Then type the following command to install the CAB file:
Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "<path to CAB file>"
Replace <path to CAB file> with the path where the CAB file is located on your PC.
Extract a CAB file using File explorer
Some developers use a CAB file as an archive file for drivers. Installing it via DISM or PowerShell will not work. You must then extract the cabinet file and install content separately.
Depending on the content, you will need to complete the installation. In most cases, you can install these drivers using the Device Manager.
Double-click the CAB file (“cabinet file”) and select a location for extracting the contents. Next, click the Extract button to extract the contents. Open this location and install the contents.
I hope this information has helped you install a CAB file in Windows 11 or Windows 10. Thanks for reading!
