File Extension Database

Open CAB File

A file with the CAB extension is a Windows Cabinet file.

CABs are compressed files that store data related to various installations of Windows that can include device drivers or system files.

The CAB format supports the ZIP, Quantum, and LZX data compression algorithms.

The Pack and Go feature of the Microsoft Publisher program can make CAB files end with the PUZ extension. Thus, within PUZ file will have everything that is included with the document, in the same file format as CAB, so they can be treated the same as CAB files, regardless of whether it has the PUZ extension.

Importantly, we should not confuse the CAB files created by the InstallShield installation program, as they are not related to the Windows Cabinet file format.

Some devices may use the CAB file extension to store firmware files.

Software to open a CAB file

To open and work with a CAB file, you must have one of the following software packages:

Typical CAB application file locations:

C:\Windows\Explorer.exe /idlist,%I,%L
%SystemRoot%\Explorer.exe /idlist

Typical CAB mime types:

%I

Frequently associated Windows objects:

CABFolder
CLSID\{0CD7A5C0-9F37-11CE-AE65-08002B2E1262}

How Can I Open CAB File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open CAB file is to find a CAB file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CAB file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open CAB file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as CAB file opener then try to search online for "CAB viewer", "application to open CAB file" or "open CAB file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open CAB file

How Can I Open CAB File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a CAB file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a CAB file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with CAB file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as CAB file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open CAB file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open CAB file then try to search for "CAB viewer", "application to open CAB file" or "read CAB file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read CAB file

How Can I Open CAB File on Android

If you downloaded a CAB file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded CAB file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "CAB".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "CAB viewer", "CAB file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open CAB File on iPhone or iPad

To open CAB File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the CAB file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "CAB". This way you can find apps which can open CAB files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "CAB viewer" or "CAB file" online in your favorite search engine.

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