It is well known that whenever you install a .NET application, you need to add a .NET Framework prerequisite to your installation package.

When we install a Windows program, we often have to deal with MSI and EXE files.

We are living in a digital era, and the need for trust and authenticity of digital documents, websites, and applications requires the use of a digital signature.

As IT Pros, we deal with all sorts of application installers developed by different software vendors. We also need to configure and customize each of those applications to fit our organization's needs.

22 years after its introduction, MSI is still the most widely used method of managing program installation. Microsoft released Windows Installer with Office 2000 to enable the application's administration to follow a set of common guidelines (installing, repairing, uninstalling).

When creating an installer package, you typically provide a default installation folder and allow the users to modify it if required. But what if you need to set the installation path based on a value saved in the registry?

There are multiple ways to provide an extra layer of security for your applications in order to distribute them safely and build trust with your users. One of the most reliable methods is using Signed Certificates.A Signed Certificate is a Public Key Cryptography certificate that verifies the identity of the certificate holder listed in the certificate and generates Digital Signatures.

Throughout their entire history, MSI applications have used Microsoft Windows Installer as an installation and configuration tool provided with Windows since version 2.0 for Windows XP and proceeding to version 5.0 for Windows 7, 10, and 11.

We are over the moon to announce the release of the MSI Packaging Essentials Training and Certification Program, our first educational program dedicated to young IT Professionals who want to become experts in application packaging.

IT professionals are now considering switching from App-V to MSIX technology more than ever, since main-stream support for App-V ended a few years back and extended support is due to end in a few years (April 14, 2026). However, as it happens with change, this shift comes with many challenges when converting App-V packages to MSIX.

Microsoft Application Virtualization (App-V) is a fully developed technology that enterprises use to deliver Win32 applications as virtual applications.

In this article, you will get an overview of Windows Installer packages, what application packaging formats are available, and how to create your first MSI package.

To keep up with the evolution of technology, the architecture of the processors shifted from 32 bit to 64 bit, as did the operating systems.Due to the rapid technological advancements, the logic in the registry and file system changed as well.

Sometimes, your end-users need quick updates to relevant information, such as software updates, discounts, or up-to-date documentation.

The INI file format was introduced in the 90s with the release of Windows 3.0. It was the primary mechanism used to store configuration settings from applications and operating systems.

ClickOnce is a Microsoft deployment technology that facilitates deploying Windows applications.

A digital signature guarantees the authenticity of an electronic document or message in an electronic format. In the software industry, code signing provides an added layer of security and trust that you're using a code that comes from an original vendor and not a third-party that could have maliciously altered the code.

Starting with Windows 10 (version 20H2), Microsoft added the option to group MSIX Shortcuts in the Start Menu. This is a particularly convenient feature that was highly requested by the packaging community.

Although it is not required, almost every WiX UI configuration has a License Agreement Dialog. In this article, we will go through how to use WiX Toolset to build an installer without a license page.