CAB File

A Cabinet file is a compressed archive Microsoft and hardware makers use to distribute packages, including INF metadata, binaries, and digital signatures. Windows Update often works with .cab files behind the scenes, while catalog downloads may provide one directly. If a hardware package arrives in this format, extract it to a temporary folder and point Device Manager's Browse my computer option at that folder so Windows can select the matching INF and verify its signature. The DISM and pnputil tools can also add trusted packages in managed environments. Do not copy the archive's contents directly into Windows system folders; that bypasses registration, model matching, version checks, and the normal rollback path.