WiX Toolset Introduced a Maintenance Fee? Here’s an Alternative
In April 2025, version 6.0.0 of WiX Toolset introduced the Open Source Maintenance Fee (OSMF), and since then, IT professionals have been reviewing and reassessing how they build and maintain their installers, as well as how they budget for their infrastructure.
To clarify, WiX will remain open source, and you can still use and contribute to it freely.
However, if you are generating revenue with products that are built using WiX, you need to pay a maintenance fee.
If you’re re-evaluating your current setup, or simply looking for a predictable, fully maintained alternative, it’s worth knowing there is one: Advanced Installer.
Why Consider Advanced Installer
Advanced Installer has been building best-in-class Windows installers since 2003, evolving into a stable, secure solution trusted by IT professionals and developers worldwide.
Over the years, we’ve also contributed to the WiX community through numerous blog articles and tutorials that explain complex WiX scenarios, all aimed at educating and supporting WiX users.
If you're looking to switch to a fully maintained, mature product with predictable costs and dedicated support, Advanced Installer may be the right fit.
It's worth checking the comprehensive, side-by-side WiX Toolset vs. Advanced Installer comparison here:https://www.advancedinstaller.com/versus/wix-toolset.html
Important to know #1 — Free migration support for WiX users
Our technical support team will assist you in migrating your existing WiX project for free.
If you have a complex project, we’ll work with you to configure it in Advanced Installer from scratch, so your transition to Advanced Installer will be as smooth as possible. You can email us at support@advancedinstaller.com for more information, or start your 30-day free trial directly.
Important to know #2 — Referral program
If someone you know already uses Advanced Installer, you can ask for a referral and receive a discount. The referrer benefits as well; it’s a win-win.
You can learn more about the referral program:https://www.advancedinstaller.com/referral-program.html
Last thoughts
WiX remains a strong open-source tool that works well for professionals who are comfortable with XML scripting and setting up manual configurations.
For teams seeking a fully supported solution that simplifies maintenance, deployment, and ongoing updates, Advanced Installer is a mature and reliable alternative. We encourage you to explore the comparison and choose the solution that best fits your workflow and long-term needs.
