Extract Drivers From An EXE

To extract driver files (.inf, .sys) from an executable, use a free archive utility like 7-Zip or WinRAR. Right-click the .exe installer, select “Open archive” (or “Extract to…”), and unpack the contents. You can then point the Device Manager to this extracted folder to install the drivers. 

If the archive method does not work, the executable might require a command-line extraction or a manual temp-folder capture: 

1. The Temp-Folder Trick

Sometimes installers dump their files to a temporary folder before executing.

1. Run the driver .exe installer.
2. Proceed past the first welcome screen (leave the installer open).
3. Open your Run dialog (Win + R) and type %temp%.
4. Sort by the “Date modified” to find a newly created folder.
5. Look inside for the .inf, .cat, and .sys files. Copy these to your desktop, then cancel the installer.

2. Command Line Extraction

Many hardware manufacturers (such as Intel or HP) build their installers using executable wrappers that support built-in extraction switches.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Navigate to the folder where your file is saved using the cd command.
3. Try running the file with one of these common extraction flags:
   • SetupChipset.exe -extract C:\Drivers
   • SetupRST.exe -a -p C:\Drivers
   • DriverName.exe /e /f C:\Drivers Win-Raid Forum

3. Manual Installation via Device Manager

Once you have the .inf file and associated payload extracted:

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Right-click the hardware with the missing driver and click Update driver.
3. Choose Browse my computer for drivers, and point it to the folder where you extracted the files