CAB is Microsoft's installer cabinet format — drivers, Windows updates and legacy installers arrive as CAB files.
Typical use: Converting CAB to ZIP unpacks driver and update payloads on any OS.
About the CAB format
CAB (Cabinet) is Microsoft's own archive format, built for software distribution: Windows update packages, device drivers and legacy installers arrive as CAB files. It supports MSZIP, Quantum and LZX compression, and Windows Explorer actually opens it — on Windows.
Everywhere else it is a locked box. Converting CAB to ZIP makes driver payloads and update contents readable on macOS, Linux and phones — useful when you need a driver file on a machine that cannot run the installer.
Strengths
- ✓ Native to Windows software distribution
- ✓ Efficient LZX compression for its era
Limitations
- ✗ Windows-centric — opaque elsewhere
- ✗ No encryption or recovery features
- Compression
- MSZIP / LZX
- Encryption
- None
- Bundling
- Multi-file with folders
- Best for
- Drivers and Windows updates
Convert CAB to…
12 direct directions, sorted A–Z; 🔥 marks popular targets.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CAB file?
CAB is Microsoft's installer cabinet format — drivers, Windows updates and legacy installers arrive as CAB files.
How do I convert CAB files online?
Pick a target format from the "Convert CAB to…" list below, drop your file and hit convert. Everything runs in your browser — no install, no upload, no watermark, no limits.
Is it safe to convert CAB files here?
Yes. Every conversion is performed by your own device inside the browser — files never leave for a server, and the page keeps working even offline.
Which formats can CAB convert to?
This page lists all 12 directions across documents, images, audio, video, spreadsheets and archives — each one is its own free converter page.