There are many ways to download driver and Windows updates, one of which is by visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog. The files downloaded from the Microsoft Update Catalog have a .CAB extension. Microsoft uses these files because they use lossless compression, which means that the original files remain unchanged when they are compressed.
But what exactly is a Windows CAB file, and how do you install it on your computer? Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is a Windows CAB File?
A CAB file or Cabinet file is a common archive file format used by Microsoft. It contains the compressed version of different files, folders, and even other cabinet files. Microsoft uses these files to distribute Windows, drivers, and UWP app updates. However, you can also use it to store other forms of data, such as images, videos, and documents.
A CAB file is compressed using the Microsoft Cabinets Compression Format (MCF), which ensures that you can easily decompress it without losing the data stored in it. It can also be signed with digital certificates, allowing to maintain the authenticity and integrity of the file.
CAB files are recognized by their first four bytes, which are theASCII charactersMSCF. you may store up to 65,535 folders in a CAB file, with each folder having a storage capacity of 65,535 files.
Now that you have a brief understanding of CAB files, let’s check out how you can install it on Windows 11.
How to Install a CAB File on Windows 11
You can easily install a CAB file on Windows 11 using Command Prompt and Windows PowerShell. In the Command Prompt method, you’ll have to use theDISM command. Whereas, in the PowerShell method, you’ll use the Add-WindowsPackage command.
Here’s how to install a CAB file using Command Prompt.
Once the installation is complete,restart your computerto see the changes.
If you want to install a CAB file using Windows PowerShell, follow these instructions:
That’s it. PowerShell will install the content of the CAB file on your computer.
How to Install Driver Updates From a CAB File
If you have downloaded a driver update, which is a CAB file, you can install it using the following instructions:
The Device Manager will now install the driver update on your computer.
CAB Files: Everything You Need to Know
You may sometimes come across a CAB file and wonder what it is and how to install it. After reading the above explanation, hopefully, you now have a basic understanding of CAB files. You now also know how to install driver updates that are in the form of CAB files.
