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A CAB file is a Windows cabinet package; an MSU file is a Windows Update Stand-alone Installer package. Both formats can carry Windows servicing packages, but the extension alone does not identify the update or component inside. Check the package’s Microsoft KB instructions before applying it.
What the file extensions mean
CAB and MSU describe package formats used in Windows servicing, not necessarily different kinds of updates. Microsoft documents DISM support for both formats when installing packages such as updates and language packs, and when enabling or disabling Windows features.
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The name or extension alone is not enough to determine what a particular file changes. Use its associated Microsoft KB information and servicing instructions to identify its contents, supported Windows versions, architecture, and any prerequisites.
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DISM can service the Windows installation currently running or a mounted Windows image. Use /Online for the running OS and /Image:<path> for an offline image. Microsoft’s PowerShell Add-WindowsPackage cmdlet provides corresponding online and offline forms.
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Install a package in the running Windows installation
In an elevated command prompt, use the following DISM command, replacing the example path with the package’s actual path:
Dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:pathtopackage.cab
For an MSU, use its path in the same command:
Dism /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:pathtopackage.msu
Add a package to a mounted offline image
Replace the image path with the directory containing the mounted image, and use the path to the CAB or MSU package:
Dism /Image:C:mountwindows /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:pathtopackage.cab
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The same form accepts an MSU path where the target Windows version supports adding MSU packages to that kind of image.
Use PowerShell instead
Add-WindowsPackage supports online and offline servicing through its -Online and -Path parameters. Check the cmdlet’s syntax and the package’s instructions for the target Windows release before running it.
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Check compatibility and prerequisites first
- Confirm the target and Windows version. Microsoft documents adding MSU packages to online or offline Windows 11 version 21H2 and later images. For images earlier than Windows 11 version 21H2, the documented MSU addition scenario is limited to offline targets. Do not assume an MSU can be added to every running Windows installation.
- Match the package to the image architecture. Microsoft’s deployment guidance says to ensure that an update matches the image architecture.
- Read the package-specific KB instructions. DISM checks package applicability, but its
/Add-Packagedocumentation warns that it does not perform a full dependency check. The KB instructions are needed to confirm dependencies and installation order. - Account for checkpoint updates when applicable. Starting with Windows 11 version 24H2, some target cumulative updates may require an earlier checkpoint cumulative update. Follow Microsoft’s listed order and the instructions for the specific update.
DISM’s /PackagePath can take an individual CAB or MSU file or, in supported cases, a folder containing package files. For a checkpoint cumulative update, Microsoft’s instructions may require the folder to contain both the target update and its prerequisite checkpoint packages.
Can you remove a CAB or MSU package?
DISM’s /Remove-Package supports removing CAB packages. Microsoft documents that it cannot remove MSU files with this operation. Adding a package and removing one are therefore not interchangeable workflows; check the package and Windows release instructions before planning a rollback.
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