Manually installing Windows updates from MSU and CAB files can be useful when Windows Update is not installing a particular package automatically. The key difference is that MSU files are normally handled through the Windows Update Standalone Installer, while CAB packages are commonly installed using DISM.
Before starting, verify your Windows version and system architecture, download the correct package, and keep the file in an easy-to-access folder. When working with CAB files, make sure you open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator and enter the DISM command carefully.
Most importantly, do not force an update simply because you have the package. If Windows reports that an update is not applicable, check its compatibility and prerequisites first.
Don’t worry, let’s learn everything in detail!
Understanding MSU & CAB files
An MSU file stands for a Microsoft Software Update package. It is designed to work with the Windows Update Standalone Installer, commonly associated with the wusa.exe utility. For many users, installing an MSU package is straightforward because Windows handles much of the installation process automatically.
A CAB file, short for Cabinet file, works differently. CAB packages are frequently used for Windows component servicing and driver or update-related packages. You generally install them using Deployment Image Servicing and Management, better known as DISM.
Before installing either type of file, check the update carefully. Installing an update intended for a different Windows release or architecture can cause installation errors.
It is also a good idea to create a restore point or have a current backup before making significant system changes.
Manually Install Windows Updates from CAB and MSU Files
- To manually install an MSU update, download the correct MSU file, double-click it, and follow the Windows Update Standalone Installer prompts.
- To manually install a CAB update, open Command Prompt as administrator and use the DISM /Add-Package command with the location of the CAB file.
- To do this, make sure the update matches your Windows version, edition, architecture, and system requirements before installing it.
- To finish the process, restart your computer if Windows requests it, then check your Windows update history to confirm the installation.
Let’s follow the steps in detail!
1: Check Your Windows Version and System Architecture
Before downloading an update, determine exactly which version of Windows you are running. This matters because an update designed for one Windows release may not apply to another release.
Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to System > About and look for information such as your Windows edition, version, and system type. Pay close attention to whether your PC is running a 64-bit x64 system, an ARM64 system, or another architecture.
You can also press Windows + R, type winver, and press Enter to see your Windows version information. When selecting an update package, compare its requirements with your system information.
2: Download the Correct MSU or CAB File
Once you know your Windows version, obtain the appropriate update package from a trusted source. For Microsoft Windows updates, the Microsoft Update Catalog is commonly used to locate individual update packages.
Search for the relevant KB number if you already know which update you need. The KB number identifies a particular Microsoft knowledge base update.
Pay attention to the available package versions. An update may have separate files for different architectures or Windows releases. Download the file that specifically matches your computer.
After downloading it, check the file extension. An MSU package will normally end in .msu, while a Cabinet package will end in .cab.
3: Move the Update File to an Easy Location
For beginners, it is easier to work with the update when the file is stored in a simple folder. Create a folder such as C:\WindowsUpdates and place your downloaded package there.
You can create the folder by opening File Explorer > This PC > Local Disk (C:), right-clicking an empty area, selecting New > Folder, and naming it WindowsUpdates.
Using a simple path makes Command Prompt commands much easier to type. It also reduces the chance of mistakes caused by long filenames or folders containing spaces.
If your update has a complicated filename, you can rename the file to something shorter, such as update.msu or update.cab, as long as you keep the correct file extension.
4: Install the MSU File
If your update is an MSU file, the easiest approach is usually to open it directly.
Go to File Explorer > This PC > Local Disk (C:) > WindowsUpdates, locate the MSU file, and double-click it. Windows should launch the Windows Update Standalone Installer.
Follow the instructions displayed on the screen. Windows may check whether the update applies to your system before beginning the installation.
You can also install an MSU package from an elevated Command Prompt. Press Windows + X > Terminal (Admin) and use the following command after replacing the filename with your actual package name:
wusa.exe C:\WindowsUpdates\update.msu
Press Enter and allow Windows to process the package. If necessary, you can use the /quiet or /norestart options, but beginners should normally use the standard installation process unless they specifically need those options.
5: Open Command Prompt as Administrator for a CAB File
CAB files generally require a different installation method. Start by opening an elevated command window.
Press Windows + X > Terminal (Admin). Depending on your Windows configuration, Windows Terminal may open with PowerShell or Command Prompt. You can use a Command Prompt tab for the commands in this guide.
If User Account Control appears, select Yes.
The administrator window is important because Windows servicing operations require elevated permissions. Without administrator access, DISM may return an Access is denied message or fail to process the package.
6: Install the CAB File with DISM
Now navigate to the folder containing your CAB file, or use its complete file path in the command.
If your file is named update.cab and is located in C:\WindowsUpdates, enter:
DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\WindowsUpdates\update.cab
Press Enter.
The DISM tool will begin processing the package. You may see progress information while Windows checks and adds the package to the operating system.
Do not close the Command Prompt window while the operation is running. Depending on the update and your computer, the process may take several minutes.
When DISM finishes, carefully read the result shown in the Command Prompt window. A successful operation should indicate that the package was added or processed successfully.
7: Restart Your Computer
After installing an update, Windows may require a restart before the changes become active.
Save your work and restart the computer normally. You can use Start > Power > Restart.
Do not interrupt the restart process if Windows displays an update-related message. Windows may need additional time to complete component servicing or configure the update.
After Windows starts again, give the system a few moments before checking the update status.
8: Verify That the Update Was Installed
After restarting, verify that the update was successfully installed.
Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Look through the list for the update you manually installed. You can also search for the relevant KB number if you know it.
For a more detailed check, press Windows + X > Terminal (Admin) and use appropriate Windows servicing commands if you need to inspect installed packages.
If the update appears in your update history or installed package information, the installation was generally successful.
FAQs
Can I install a CAB file by double-clicking it?
Usually, a CAB file is not installed in the same way as an MSU package. For Windows update packages, DISM is the standard command-line method for adding a CAB package to an online Windows installation.
Is an MSU file easier to install than a CAB file?
For most beginners, yes. An MSU file can generally be opened directly, allowing the Windows Update Standalone Installer to guide you through the process. CAB installation usually requires an elevated command window and a DISM command.
What happens if Windows says the update is not applicable?
This commonly means the package does not apply to your current Windows installation. Check the KB number, Windows version, edition, architecture, and prerequisites before trying again.
Do I need an Internet connection to install an MSU or CAB file?
Not necessarily. If you already have the complete update package and it contains everything required for installation, Windows can often install it without downloading the package again. However, some updates may have prerequisites or dependencies that need to be obtained separately.
Should I restart Windows after installing a CAB or MSU update?
If Windows requests a restart, you should restart the computer. Some updates cannot become fully active until Windows has restarted.
Can I uninstall a manually installed update?
Many Windows updates can be removed through Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates, although the available uninstall options depend on the particular update and how it was installed.
Is DISM safe to use for Windows updates?
DISM is a Microsoft Windows servicing tool designed to manage Windows images and packages. The important part is using the correct command and a compatible update package. Avoid experimenting with unknown packages or commands when you are troubleshooting a working computer.