What are CAB files and how to open them
Are you encountering difficulties when trying to open a CAB file, or are you simply interested in understanding its contents? We’re here to elucidate the characteristics of these files and provide you with software that can effectively open or manage your CAB files.
What is a CAB file?
CAB files have multiple uses, and one of them is as a Microsoft Cabinet Archive. Read more about the other uses further down the page.
Files with the .cab file extension are archive files. The term “CAB” in the file extension stands for the word “cabinet,” which aptly describes the nature of these files.
CAB files function by consolidating multiple files into a single archive file. The CAB file format allows for the compression of files, significantly reducing the size of the “cabinet” file compared to storing or transmitting each file individually. This compression facilitates the more straightforward transmission of large batches of files over the Internet or via email.
Many Microsoft applications utilize the CAB file format for their installation engines, including the Setup API, Device Installer, and Windows Installer applications.
How to open CAB files
We have identified five CAB openers that are compatible with this specific type of CAB file.