Document tool

CAB to ZIP Converter

Convert Microsoft Cabinet (.cab) archives to ZIP format. Free, private, no data stored.

CAB ZIP
PrivConvert
Privacy-first conversion
No files stored
In-memory processing
Deleted instantly
No sign-up needed

Complete the security check to begin

Open Windows Cabinet archives anywhere

Got a .cab file from a driver package, Windows update, or old installer? Convert it to ZIP to inspect and extract its contents on any operating system.

  • Full CAB support - handles MSZIP and LZX-compressed cabinets
  • All files preserved - directory structure stays intact
  • Security validated - path traversal, symlink, and bomb protection built in

About Converting CAB to ZIP

CAB (Cabinet) is Microsoft’s compressed archive format, used mainly inside Windows installers, driver packages, and system updates. It supports the MSZIP and LZX compression methods but is rarely used for everyday files. When you need to move away from CAB, the usual reason is simple: poor support outside windows.

Converting your CAB archive to ZIP solves that. ZIP is the universal archive format that bundles and compresses multiple files into one. Every operating system opens ZIP natively, making it the default for sharing file collections. In practice you gain opens natively on every os and good general-purpose compression. PrivConvert runs the whole CAB-to-ZIP conversion in server memory and deletes your file the instant the ZIP is ready — nothing is stored, logged or reused.

When this conversion helps

  • You need opens natively on every OS
  • You need good general-purpose compression
  • You need optional password protection
  • Escaping a proprietary CAB file for the open ZIP standard
  • Sharing a CAB archive with someone whose software expects ZIP

Tips for best results

  • ZIP preserves quality exactly, so the conversion from CAB will not introduce any new compression artifacts.
  • Files up to 250 MB are supported, and you can batch-convert several CAB files at once; each is processed privately and deleted immediately.

How to Convert CAB to ZIP Online

Converting CAB to ZIP with PrivConvert takes three quick steps and no software to install. What you gain with ZIP: opens natively on every OS.

1
Upload your CAB file

Drag and drop your file into the upload area, click to browse your device, or paste a URL to a file hosted online. You can upload files up to 250 MB and batch convert up to 20 files at once.

2
Automatic conversion

Once uploaded, the conversion from CAB to ZIP starts automatically. The process runs entirely in an isolated environment - your data never leaves the secure pipeline.

3
Download your ZIP file

Your converted file is ready instantly. Click the download button to save it to your device. The file is deleted from memory immediately after download.

What makes this CAB-to-ZIP converter different

Privacy here is not a checkbox. Every CAB-to-ZIP conversion is engineered so your data never lingers, leaks or gets reused.

Encrypted transfers

Every upload and download is protected with TLS 1.3, so your archive cannot be intercepted on the way to the server or back to you.

No account required

Convert instantly with no sign-up, no email and no profiling cookies. We never build a profile around you or the files you convert.

Works on any device

Runs in any modern browser on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS — no install, plugin or desktop software needed.

Fast in-memory processing

Each job runs in an isolated in-memory sandbox, so most conversions finish in seconds instead of waiting in a queue.

CAB vs ZIP - Format Comparison

FeatureCABZIP
File extension.cab.zip
Full nameMicrosoft CabinetZIP Archive
Introduced19931989
CompressionLosslessLossless
EncodingBinaryBinary
Open standardYes
Supported by PrivConvertYes (as input)Yes (as output)
Privacy-safe conversionIn-memory, zero storage
Max file size250 MB per file
Batch supportUp to 20 files simultaneously

Built for people who value their privacy

From one-off files to daily batches, thousands of people rely on PrivConvert precisely because it keeps nothing once the job is done.

250 MB Max file size
450+ Conversion tools
0 sec File retention
100% Free to use

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CAB file?
A CAB (Microsoft Cabinet) file is a compressed archive format used by Windows for software installers, drivers, and system updates. It's rarely used for everyday files, so most tools can't open it directly.
Why convert CAB to ZIP?
ZIP is supported everywhere, while CAB needs Windows-specific tools. Converting lets you open the archive's contents on macOS, Linux, or any device without special software.
Are folder structures preserved?
Yes. The directory layout stored inside the CAB is recreated in the output ZIP.
Is there a file size limit?
You can upload CAB files up to 250 MB, with a 500 MB cap on total extracted content and an entry-count limit for security.
Are my files private and secure?
Yes. Every conversion runs in an isolated, network-free process. Your files are never stored or shared and are deleted from memory the moment your download is ready.

Further Reading