How to install CAB files for updates and drivers on Windows 10

The .cab file extension refers to the local archive file format, providing an efficient way to package and compress multiple files in a file library.

Developers often use CAB files to build application installers and Microsoft, for example, sometimes uses this format to distribute stand-alone updates to Windows 10, as well as other packages.

If you happen to have a Windows 10 update in CAB format, you can use the DISM command line tool to quickly install packages on your device.

In this tutorial, you will learn the steps to install a CAB file on Windows 10.

Install the CAB file with the DISM command

To install the .cab file using Command Prompt, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Start on Windows 10.

Step 2. Search for Command Prompt , right-click on the top result and select the option Run as administrator .

Step 3. Type the following command to install the CAB file and press Enter :

dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"PATHTOCAB"

For example, the following command installs update KB4562830 on Windows 10:

dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:UsersusernameDownloadswindows10.0-kb4562830.cab"

After you complete the steps, the package will be installed on your computer. If this is an update, you may also need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

Extract the CAB file on Windows 10

Although you may have received a .cab file, that doesn't mean you have to install it. Some developers may just use this format as a compressed folder to deliver specific content.

To unzip the .cab file, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open File Explorer.

Step 2. Browse to the folder with the file cabinet.

Step 3. Double-click the .cab file.

Step 4. Select all contents ( Ctrl + A ).

Step 5. Right-click on the selection and select the Extract option .

Step 6. Select a destination folder to extract the file.

Step 7. Click the Extract button .

After completing the steps above, you can use the files to install applications, drivers or updates on your computer.

Install the CAB file to update the driver

In case you are installing the driver and the package cannot be installed using the DISM tool, you can extract the contents of the CAB file to install the driver manually.

To update the driver using the .cab file on Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open File Explorer.

Step 2. Navigate to the folder containing the file.

Step 3. Double-click the CAB file to open it.

Step 4. Select all contents ( Ctrl + A ).

Step 5. Right-click on the selection and select the Extract option .

Step 6. Select a destination folder to extract the file.

Step 7. Click the Extract button .

Step 8. Open Start.

Step 9. Search for Device Manager and select the first result.

Step 10. Right-click on the device driver to update and select the option Update driver .

Step 11. Click the Browse my computer for drivers option .

Step 12. Click the Browse button .

Step 13. Select the folder where the files are extracted from the CAB file.

Step 14. Click the OK button .

Step 15. Click the Next button .

Step 16. Click the Close button .

After you complete the steps, Device Manager will detect and install the driver components for device setup.

Marvin Fry

Update 14 November 2020