Application Packaging Trends in 2025: What’s Changing (and What’s Not)
As we head into 2025, the application packaging world feels familiar—like a well-worn tool that still gets the job done. While there’s always talk of “the next big thing,” much of what worked in 2024 will keep working. Let’s break down what to expect.
MSIX: Still Waiting for Its Moment
Microsoft’s MSIX format was supposed to modernize app deployments, but adoption has been slow. Most teams still lean on MSI and EXE formats, and even Microsoft’s continued support for App-V signals that MSIX may not dominate the market anytime soon..
For now, the industry seems happy with the status quo. Why fix what isn’t broken?
VBScript’s Slow Goodbye: Time to Switch to PowerShell
A big change is coming: VBScript is being phased out. Starting with Windows 11 24H2, it’ll be an optional feature (turned on by default).
But by 2027, it won’t even be enabled automatically. Companies have two options:
- Start using PowerShell now: Update your scripts in MSI/EXE packages so teams can adjust gradually.
- Enable VBScript manually later: In 2027, you could turn it back on via Autopilot or Task Sequences—but that’s risky.
Getting ahead of this change is smarter. Waiting until 2027 could mean rushed fixes, while moving to PowerShell now avoids headaches later.
AI in Packaging: Useful, But Not a Game-Changer
AI tools like ChatGPT can answer basic questions or suggest fixes, but they’re not magic. They’re more like a helpful sidekick—great for generic advice, but they won’t solve niche issues.
What can it be used for?
To Automate the Grunt Work
AI will likely start handing repetitive, time-consuming tasks that don’t require deep expertise—think like:
- Script generation: Drafting basic PowerShell or InstallScript snippets for common scenarios (e.g., file permissions, registry edits).
- Dependency mapping: Scanning applications to auto-detect prerequisites or conflicts.
- Log analysis: Parsing installation logs to flag common errors (e.g., missing DLLs, permission issues).
This isn’t about replacing packagers but freeing them up for higher-value work. We might think of it as a junior developer who never sleeps.
Smarter Error Resolution
AI could act as a "first responder" for troubleshooting. For example:
- If a package fails during testing, an AI tool might cross-reference the error with known fixes (e.g., “Error 1603? Here are the top 5 solutions from similar packages”).
- Predictive warnings: Flagging potential issues before deployment (e.g., “This script uses VBScript—consider migrating to PowerShell”).
Accelerating Legacy Modernization
As companies phase out older formats like VBScript or legacy MSI workflows, AI could:
- Convert scripts: Auto-translate VBScript to PowerShell, even if imperfect.
- Update packages: Suggest compatibility tweaks for newer OS versions (e.g., Windows 11 24H2 quirks).
This would reduce the manual “archaeology” work of updating decades-old packages.
Guardrails for Compliance
AI might help enforce security and compliance by:
- Scanning packages for risky patterns (e.g., hardcoded credentials, unsigned binaries).
- Suggesting fixes to align with organizational policies (e.g., “Add this registry key to meet GDPR logging requirements”).
Democratizing Expertise
For smaller teams or new packagers, AI could act as a mentor:
- Answering questions like, “How do I handle a per-user install?” with step-by-step guidance.
- Recommending best practices (e.g., “Use this Advanced Installer feature to simplify silent installs”).
The Catch? It’s All About the Data
AI’s usefulness hinges on the quality of its training data. If models are fed outdated or poorly structured packaging examples, their suggestions could be misleading. Tools trained on curated, real-world packaging data would fare better.
What Won’t Change
- Human judgment: AI can’t navigate complex political or organizational constraints (e.g., “Why does Finance’s app require this weird workaround?”).
- Creativity: Unusual deployment scenarios (e.g., hybrid cloud/on-prem edge cases) will still need human problem-solving.
- Trust: Teams won’t blindly accept AI-generated packages without rigorous testing.
In the near term, AI will be a productivity booster, not a revolution. It’ll help packagers work faster and avoid rookie mistakes, but the core skills—understanding dependencies, scripting, and mastering tools like Advanced Installer—will still matter most.
For teams, the priority should be:
- Experiment with AI tools for low-risk tasks (e.g., log analysis).
- Stay critical—always validate AI suggestions.
- Invest in training to use AI effectively, not just rely on it.
For now, human experience still rules the packaging workflow.
Cloud Packaging: Same Work, Different Label
Packaging apps for the cloud isn’t as different as you’d think. Whether it’s on-premises or hybrid setups, the basics—like handling dependencies or silent installs—stay the same. As we’ve covered before, the “where” might change, but the “how” doesn’t.
Security: No Major Shakeups
Most companies already have solid packaging processes with good security checks. New tweaks are usually small, like internal policy updates or custom signing rules. Focus on refining what you have, not reinventing it.
With the release of Azure Trusted Signing digital code signing is now much more accessible and easy to manage for IT professionals.
For example, Advanced Installer integrates natively with Azure Trusted Signing, allowing you to use multiple certificate profiles, while benefiting from Azure’s built-in RBAC for certificate security.
Azure Trusted Signing lets you quickly revoke certificates, making it easy to blacklist any potential threats signed with a stolen identity.
Skills You’ll Need in 2025 (Spoiler: They’re the Same)
Remote work might change how teams collaborate, but the core skills for packaging pros haven’t shifted.
Knowing MSI/EXE inside out, scripting in PowerShell, and using tools like Advanced Installer are still key.
New to the field? Learn the fundamentals—they’ll stay relevant.
By the way—if you’re brushing up on MSI, prepping for the VBScript-to-PowerShell shift, or just curious about MSIX, Advanced Installer’s Application Packaging Academy has three free courses (with certs) that might save you time:
- MSI Packaging Essentials (for nailing the basics),- Advanced MSI Packaging (for tackling custom actions and edge cases),- MSIX Fundamentals (even if adoption is still slow, it’s good to know).
No upsells, no pressure—just straightforward training.
2025 Outlook: Steady as She Goes
Next year won’t bring fireworks. Instead, teams will focus on polishing existing workflows rather than chasing trends. It’s not about resisting change—it’s about being smart with what already works.
Wrapping Up
2025 might not rewrite the packaging playbook, but it’s a good time to sharpen your skills and prepare for small shifts. Keep an eye on:
- Automation: Making scripts more reliable.
- Security: Making sure rules are followed, even in hybrid setups.
- Training: Helping teams learn PowerShell and legacy tools.
For newcomers, the advice is simple: master the basics, stay flexible, and don’t stress over hype.
Written by
Alex Marin
Application Packaging and SCCM Deployments specialist, solutions finder, Technical Writer at Advanced Installer.