Advanced Installer Architect in 2026: Modern Packaging, Stronger Security, Easier Deployment
Here’s what’s new in Advanced Installer Architect 2026 and what it means for you and your team.
- PacKit Plus to Unify Application Packaging and Deployment
- Migrate Applications and Packages From MECM to Intune Without Rebuilding Them
- Modernize Legacy Applications Without Starting Over
- Strengthen Security Across Your Installers and Application Updates
Let’s see how each feature can make your day-to-day work easier.
PacKit Plus to Unify Application Packaging and Deployment
Advanced Installer Architect helps you create and repackage Windows applications.
PacKit extends that workflow by preparing those applications for deployment to Microsoft Intune and MECM, and automating updates.
Together, they allow you to manage the entire application lifecycle without rebuilding deployment configurations or switching between multiple packaging and deployment tools.
Are you an active Architect customer? PacKit Plus is included in your license.
Contact us at support at advancedinstaller dot com to activate your PacKit license.
Do you have application packaging or deployment challenges?
Let's review your environment and current workflows (from creating the installer to deploying to Intune).
Book a 20-minute session with an Architect & PacKit expert.
Migrate Applications and Packages From MECM to Intune Without Rebuilding Them
PacKit connects directly to your MECM environment and imports existing applications, including available installation commands, detection rules, and package information.
From there, you can prepare them to deploy to Intune by applying PSADT wrappers, customizing detection rules, and generating .intunewin packages automatically.
What's new in PacKit in 2026?
- Direct MECM and Intune imports to bring existing applications into your workspace without rebuilding their configurations.
- Custom PSADT templates to standardize deployment behavior with reusable templates.
- More detection options, digital signing for PSADT and detection scripts.
Explore PacKit's release history
Moving from SCCM to Intune? Don’t rebuild your apps.
Let's look at your environment.
Book 20 min.
Modernize Legacy Applications Without Starting Over
Repackaging existing applications into MSI and MSIX
Here is what’s new for Advanced Installer Repackager in 2026
- The generated automation scripts are now easier to use, helping teams standardize repetitive repackaging tasks. (v24.1)
- The Repackager installation capture is now cleaner by excluding the Uninstall registry key. (v24.1)
- We improved the Repackager experience by offering clearer guidance when choosing between Capture Setup and Session Monitor, improved prompts, and better window handling during capture sessions. (v24.1)
- We added support for VMware Workstation 26H1 to help teams maintain their virtualized packaging environments. (v23.9)
Move From MSI to MSIX at Your Own Pace
MSIX provides package integrity, cleaner uninstallation, and more predictable application management.
Here is what’s new for MSIX in 2026:
- MSIX Package Analysis
- We updated the MSIX schema to 26H1 and rewrote the predefined dependencies support. (v23.9)
- We added support to generate architecture-specific WinGet manifests to simplify application distribution. (v23.6)
- We enhanced the manifest validation and updated the StartUp Task for improved MSIX package reliability. (v24.1)
Moving from VBScript to PowerShell
Starting with version 23.8, we introduced the Session object available directly within the PowerShell custom actions. This gives your PowerShell scripts direct access to the Windows Installer information traditionally available to VBScript custom actions.
Here is what’s new for PowerShell in Advanced Installer 2026:
- Redesigned Custom Actions view for easier management. (v24.1)
- Expanded PowerShell automation for project operations. (v24.1)
Simplify Legacy Driver Installation with PnPUtil
In version 23.8, we introduced PnPUtil integration to replace the deprecated DIFx implementation with Microsoft’s native Windows driver management utility.
You now have a simpler way to modernize driver installation and help you keep existing installer projects aligned with current Windows functionality.
Integrated AI Assistant for Built-in Guidance
Beginning with version 24.0, we integrated an AI assistant that serves as your product expert, helping you spend less time searching and more time packaging. The AI assistant is available from the View toolbar.
You can ask the Assistant to help you find a setting, explain how something works, or make approved changes to your project without leaving the Advanced Installer application.
Learn how to use the Advanced Installer's AI Assistant Integration on a Real Project
Strengthen Security Across Your Installers and Application Updates
Security remains a top priority at Advanced Installer.
Throughout 2026, we’ve introduced additional safeguards to protect your installers, prevent unauthorized changes, and make software updates more reliable.
Here’s what’s new:
- Durable EKU checking to maintain trusted updates when Microsoft Certificate Signing certificates are renewed, even if certificate details change (23.9)
- Stronger Auto-Updater protection to enforce matching digital signatures for your update configuration files (23.6)
- PowerShell script integrity checks to prevent tampered PowerShell custom actions from executing even when marked as signed (23.5)
- Security validation framework to notify you about the latest available security features and enhancements for your version, directly in the build log and the Message Center. (23.4)
Ready to Explore What's New?
If you're using an older version of Advanced Installer Architect, you might be missing out on features that could make your day-to-day work easier.
Connect with an Advanced Installer to explore MSI-to-MSIX migration, VBScript modernization, and how Advanced Installer Architect and PacKit Plus can support your entire application lifecycle.
Written by
Alexandra Stoienescu
Alexandra has been part of the marketing team for over two years now and uses all this time to learn about the packaging industry and how Advanced Installer contributes to the industry. Slowly she developed into a prolific product marketer, being involved in multiple types of product promotion initiatives. We are happy to have her sharing her findings on the Advanced Installer Blog. You can also find her communicating monthly Advanced Installer releases and ensuring that our users get the most out of Advanced Installer.