Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11To extract a CAB file in Windows 11, open Command Prompt and run expand "C:pathfile.cab" -f:* "C:pathoutput", replacing the paths with your cabinet file and an existing destination folder. To inspect the files first without extracting them, use expand -d "C:pathfile.cab". These commands unpack files; installing a Windows package from a CAB is a separate task.
What a CAB file is
A CAB, or cabinet, is a single file—usually with a .cab extension—that stores compressed files. It is commonly used to package multiple files together. Windows 11 includes the expand command for listing and extracting cabinet contents. Microsoft’s cabinet file overview explains the format, and its expand reference lists Windows 11 among the applicable platforms.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Extract every file with Command Prompt
-
Make sure the destination folder already exists. In File Explorer, create one if needed, such as
C:CAB-Extracted.Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy. -
Open Command Prompt. You can search for Command Prompt from Start and open it; administrator access is not ordinarily needed just to extract files into a folder you can write to.
#1 Best Overall
Dell Latitude 3190 11.6" HD 2-in-1 Touchscreen Laptop Intel N5030 1.1Ghz 8GB Ram 128GB SSD Windows 11 Professional (Renewed)- 1.1 GHz (boost up to 2.4GHz) Intel Celeron N5030 Quad-Core
-
Run this command, substituting the actual CAB path and destination:
expand "C:pathfile.cab" -f:* "C:pathoutput" -
Check the destination folder for the extracted files. If the command reports that a path cannot be found, verify the source file path and create the output folder before trying again.
Quotes around paths protect spaces in folder and file names. The -f:* option selects all files in the cabinet; Microsoft documents -f:<files> for selecting cabinet files and supports wildcards. See the command syntax and options.
Rank #2
- 256 GB SSD of storage.
- Multitasking is easy with 16GB of RAM
- Equipped with a blazing fast Core i5 2.00 GHz processor.
List contents or extract only selected files
List files without extracting
Use this command to display the cabinet’s file list:
expand -d "C:pathfile.cab"
The -d option lists files without expanding or extracting them, which is useful when you do not know the internal filename you need.
Extract a specific file or matching files
Replace the asterisk with a filename or wildcard pattern. For example, to select a file named driver.inf:
Rank #3
- 14" diagonal, 1366x768 resolution, HD BrightView LED, Glossy NON-TOUCH Display
expand "C:pathfile.cab" -f:driver.inf "C:pathoutput"
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Use the exact name shown by the listing command. The selected-file option accepts wildcards, so a pattern can be used when appropriate.
Choose the right operation: extraction or package installation
Extracting a CAB gives you its files in a folder. It does not install or apply the package. If the CAB is a Windows operating-system package and your goal is to add it to or remove it from a Windows image, use DISM package servicing rather than treating it as an ordinary archive. Microsoft documents options including /Add-Package, /Remove-Package, and package-information queries in its DISM operating system package servicing reference. Follow the appropriate servicing procedure for the image and package; extracting its contents alone does not perform that operation.
Rank #4
- 【Efficient Performance】 Powered by Intel Core i3 processor (2 cores, 4 threads, up to 3.4GHz) with 12GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Handles multitasking, office software, online classes, and HD video streaming smoothly. Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Backlit Keyboard & Complete Package】Comes with a cool backlit keyboard. Comes with awebcam, dual stereo speakers (8Ω/1.0W each), DC charger, and user manual – ready for late-night studying, online classes, video conferencing, and daily productivity
- 【Vibrant Display】 15.6-inch Full HD (1920x1080) anti-glare screen with 16:9 aspect ratio delivers crisp images and vivid colors – perfect for studying, watching lectures, or entertainment. Thin-bezel design maximizes viewing area
- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
- 【Long Battery Life & Portable】 Built-in 11.55V 5000mAh/57.75Wh high-capacity battery delivers approximately 7 hours of mixed-use battery life – enough for a full day of classes and assignments. Lightweight at just 1.63kg (3.6 lbs) and 19.5mm thin, plus a compact packing size – easily slips into a backpack for campus, library, or coffee shop
Other options
Extrac32
Windows also includes Extrac32, another cabinet command-line utility. Microsoft’s extract documentation says the older Extract.exe is not provided or supported on Windows 10 and newer, and identifies Extrac32.exe as its replacement. The same documentation notes that Extrac32’s command-line interface does not display output in the console, so expand is the more straightforward choice for a visible listing or a basic extraction walkthrough.
Graphical archive managers
A third-party archive manager is optional if you prefer a graphical interface. You do not need one for the basic task: Windows’ built-in expand command can list and extract CAB files. File Explorer behavior can vary, so the reliable documented method here is the command-line procedure above rather than assuming every Windows 11 build offers a CAB extraction workflow in Explorer.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
