Step-by-Step Guide to Installing CAB Files for Updates and Drivers on Windows 10

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing CAB Files for Updates and Drivers on Windows 10

Guide to Installing. CAB Files on Windows 10

Last Updated: July 23, 2025. In Windows 10, the process of installing “.cab” files can be efficiently executed using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool or PowerShell. This guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions for installing these cabinet files, which serve as a compressed file format that bundles multiple files effectively.

Often utilized by developers, .cab files are commonly employed for app installers and are used by Microsoft for distributing essential updates, drivers, and various packages. If you have a Windows 10 update packaged as a CAB file, you can utilize either DISM or PowerShell to facilitate a swift installation.

Installing CAB Files Using DISM

To install a “.cab” file through Command Prompt, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Start menu.
  2. Search for Command Prompt (or Terminal), then right-click on the top item and select Run as administrator.
  3. Input the following command and press Enter:

    4. dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"PATH\TO\CAB"

    For example, use this command to install an update:

    dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Users\username\Downloads\update.cab"

Upon completing these steps, the package will be installed. If it’s an update, a system restart may be required to finalize the installation.

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Installing CAB Files Using PowerShell

For those who prefer PowerShell, here are the steps to install a “.cab” file:

  1. Open Start.
  2. Search for PowerShell (or Terminal), right-click the top result, and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Execute the following command and press Enter:

    4. Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "PATH\TO\CAB"

    For instance, you can install the update using:

    Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "C:\Users\m__la\Downloads\files\update.cab"

After you finish these steps, the CAB package will be successfully installed on your Windows 10 system.

Extracting CAB Files on Windows 10

Sometimes, a “.cab” file may need to be extracted rather than installed directly. Developers occasionally use cabinet files as compressed folders to distribute certain contents. Here’s how to extract a.cab file:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the cabinet file.
  3. Double-click the “.cab” file.
  4. Use Ctrl + A to select all content.
  5. Right-click the selected items and choose Extract.
  7. Choose your desired folder destination for the extracted files.
  8. Click the Extract button.

Once extracted, the files can be utilized for installing applications, setting up new drivers, or applying system updates.

Please be aware that issues may arise during installation attempts, such as receiving the error message: “An error occurred trying to open…” (Error: 0x80070002) “Error: 2” (The system cannot find the file specified).If you encounter this, extracting the package might be a more viable option.

Installing CAB Files for Driver Updates

If you experience difficulties with the DISM tool when installing a driver, extracting the CAB file may allow for manual installation of the driver. Here’s how to proceed:

  1. Open File Explorer.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing the CAB file.
  3. Double-click the CAB file to access its contents.
  4. Select all items using Ctrl + A.
  5. Right-click and select Extract.
  7. Choose a folder for the extracted files.
  8. Click Extract.
  9. Open the Start menu.
  10. Search for Device Manager and select it.
  11. Right-click the device and choose Update driver.
  13. Select Browse my computer for drivers.
  15. Click the Browse button.
  17. Select the folder containing the extracted files from the CAB.
  18. Press the OK button, then click Next.
  19. Finally, click Close.

After completing these steps, Device Manager will detect the necessary driver components and install them.

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