CAB Format

Everything about CAB files

Can Create

Can Extract

Yes

Extension

.cab

Platform

Windows native

CAB Guides

How to Open CAB Files with 7-Zip

What Is a CAB File?

A CAB (Cabinet) file is a compression format used by Microsoft Windows for software installation packages, system updates, and driver distribution.

CAB files use MSZIP, Quantum, or LZX compression. They are commonly found in Windows Updates (.msu files), driver packages, and application installers.

7-Zip can extract files from CAB archives, allowing you to access individual files without running the installer. This is useful for extracting specific drivers or system components.

Can 7-Zip Open CAB Files?

7-Zip can open and extract CAB files including multi-cabinet sets.

7-Zip supports all CAB compression methods: MSZIP, Quantum, and LZX.

7-Zip can extract CAB files embedded in MSU (Microsoft Update) and MSI installer packages.

How to Extract CAB Files

Right-click the CAB file

Locate your .cab file in Windows Explorer, right-click it, and navigate to "7-Zip".

Choose extraction option

Select "Extract Here" to extract all files, or "Open archive" to browse and select specific files.

Access extracted files

7-Zip extracts the CAB contents to your destination folder. You can access individual driver files or system components.

How to Create CAB Archives

7-Zip cannot create CAB files

7-Zip can extract CAB archives but cannot create them. CAB creation requires Microsoft tools like makecab.exe or MSBuild.

Use 7z or ZIP instead

For creating archives, use the 7z or ZIP format. They are more flexible and widely supported than CAB.

How to Password Protect CAB Files

CAB format does not support password protection or encryption.

CAB files are plain archives used for software distribution, not for secure file storage.

CAB Specifications

Extension	.cab
Compression	MSZIP, Quantum, LZX
Encryption	Not supported
Platform	Windows native
Maximum Size	2 GB
Developer	Microsoft
MIME Type	application/vnd.ms-cab-compressed

Common CAB Errors & Solutions

Cannot extract CAB file

Cause: CAB corruption or unsupported compression method.

Solution: Re-download the CAB file. 7-Zip supports all standard CAB compression methods. If the CAB is part of a multi-cabinet set, ensure all parts are present.

CAB vs 7Z

Feature	CAB	7z
Purpose	Windows installer/driver	General archive
Can create with 7-Zip	No	Yes
Can extract with 7-Zip	Yes	Yes
Windows native	Yes	No (needs 7-Zip)

CAB FAQ

Can 7-Zip open CAB files?

Yes. 7-Zip can open and extract CAB (Cabinet) files, including multi-cabinet sets and all compression methods (MSZIP, Quantum, LZX).

Can 7-Zip create CAB files?

No. 7-Zip can extract CAB files but cannot create them. CAB creation requires Microsoft tools like makecab.exe.

What is a CAB file?

A CAB (Cabinet) file is a Microsoft compression format used for Windows software installation, system updates, and driver packages. It's common in .msu update files and driver packages.

How to extract drivers from a CAB file?

Right-click the .cab file > 7-Zip > Extract Here or Open archive. Browse the contents and extract the specific driver files you need.

Can I install a CAB file directly?

On Windows, you can install driver CAB files using: pnputil /add-driver driver.cab /install (run as Administrator in Command Prompt). For regular extraction, use 7-Zip.