How to Install CAB Files in Windows 11

What Is a CAB File?

A CAB (cabinet) file is a compressed archive that holds one or more system files. Microsoft and device manufacturers use it for update packages and drivers because it keeps downloads small and keeps related files together. You usually meet one when you download an update by hand, for example from the Microsoft Update Catalog, or when a manufacturer ships a driver as a single package.

Check two things before you install anything:

• The package must match your system. A package built for a different Windows version or processor type (x64 or ARM64) fails to install.
• You need an administrator account. Both command-line methods fail with an access error without elevated rights.

How to Install a CAB File in 🪟 Windows 11

1Using Command Prompt

This method applies system updates and patches with a built-in deployment tool. It is the fastest option and needs no extra software. This method requires administrator privileges.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator: Open Command Prompt as Administrator (running it with elevated permissions). If a User Account Control prompt (the window that asks permission to make changes) appears, select Yes. The window title now starts with “Administrator”.
2. Find the full path of your CAB file. In File Explorer📁, select the file and press Ctrl+Shift+C to copy its path.
3. Type the command below, and replace FULL_PATH_TO_CAB_FILE with the full location of your CAB file. For a file in Downloads, it might look like this: C:\Users\YourName\Downloads\file.cab. If the path contains spaces, put it in quotation marks.
   

   ⬛Command Prompt

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

   Example:
   

   ⬛Command Prompt

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   dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:"C:\Users\Richard\Downloads\Windows10.0-KB5018851-x64.cab"

4. Press Enter and wait. Large updates can take several minutes, and a progress indicator may appear.

When the operation finishes, the window shows a confirmation message. If it shows an error instead, the usual causes are a typo in the path, a window that is not running as administrator, or a package that does not match your version of Windows. Restart the PC if the message says a restart is required.

2Using Windows PowerShell

PowerShell installs the package with a package management command. The result is the same as the Command Prompt method, and it suits you if you prefer PowerShell for applying updates and drivers. This method requires administrator privileges.

1. Open PowerShell as administrator: Open PowerShell as Administrator. Select Yes on the User Account Control prompt. The window title shows “Administrator”.
2. Type this command, and replace FULL_PATH_TO_CAB_FILE with the path to your file:
   

   ⬛PowerShell

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   Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "FULL_PATH_TO_CAB_FILE"

   Example:
   

   ⬛PowerShell

   Copy

   Add-WindowsPackage -Online -PackagePath "C:\Users\Richard\Downloads\Windows10.0-KB5018851-x64.cab"

3. Press Enter and let it run. PowerShell may show a progress bar. When it finishes, the console displays a success notification. Restart the🔄 PC if prompted.

An access denied error almost always means the window is not elevated. Close it and reopen PowerShell as administrator.

3Extract and Install CAB Files Using File Explorer

This method extracts the contents of a CAB file by hand. Use it when you need one specific hardware driver rather than the whole update package. It involves no commands, but you install the driver separately afterward.

1. Open File Explorer📁: Open File Explorer📁 (the folder icon on your taskbar🖥️).

   

2. Find your CAB file and double-click it. The files inside appear in a normal folder view.

   

3. Press Ctrl+A to select all the files, right-click, and choose Extract All. If that option is missing, copy the files and paste them into a new empty folder.
4. Pick a folder for the extracted files, then select Extract.

   

Extracting does not install anything. Once the files are in a folder, install the driver through Device Manager. For detailed instructions, see the guide on How to install device drivers in Windows 11.

To undo a driver install that causes problems, open the device’s Properties in Device Manager, go to the Driver tab, and select Roll Back Driver. The button is greyed out when no earlier driver is stored.

Helpful Links & Resources

Microsoft official info about CAB files

How to open apps as administrator in Windows 11

How to open Command Prompt in Windows 11

How to open PowerShell in Windows 11

What to do next

If a command reports an error, check the path, confirm the window title starts with “Administrator”, and confirm the package matches your Windows version and processor type. To remove an update you no longer want, use Settings › Windows Update › Update history › Uninstall updates. To remove a driver, use Roll Back Driver in Device Manager.