Windows applications files often have an .MSI format that is used by Windows Installer software built-in on your operating system to install different apps and programs. If you encounter any difficulties when opening an .MSI file, follow this short guide.
What is an MSI file?
The .MSI extension is the Windows Installer format that helps install applications and programs in the Windows Operating System. An MSI file has all the data needed for installing or updating a Windows app. There are also .MSU files similar to .MSI but used on Windows Vista operating system.
How to open an MSI file in Windows 10?
MSI files can be opened automatically with the Windows Installer program built-in to Windows operating systems. To open an .MSI file, just double-click on it, and the Windows Installer will open it automatically.
How to open an MSI file on Mac?
MSI files are incompatible with the Mac operating system. However, you can still open them. The first and quite cardinal way is to switch completely to Windows OS on your Mac by using Boot Camp Assistant software pre-installed on your Mac.
Otherwise, you can just open MSI files and view their content without installing it on your Mac computer. MSI files are normally packed in zip-archives, so to see them, you will have to unzip them first. You can use unzip-apps such as built-in Archive Utility or download A-Zippr, The Anarchiver or other apps to extract the file.
Right-click on the .MSI file, choose Open With and select your Zip extractor.
Now you can view the content of the folder, but, unfortunately, you can not install it on your Mac computer.
How to open an MSI file in Android?
- Open the File Manager and go to the Downloads folder.
- Find the app and try to open i — if it doesn’t work, you will have to download a dedicated app.
- If you can’t find an appropriate app, we recommend transferring the file to your PC and opening it from there.
How to open an MSI file on Linux?
First, you should know there is no way to open MSI files directly: for this, you need a specific program called msiexec. Once you have this program installed, you can follow these steps:
- Open the terminal.
- Use cd to change directories and get to the location of the MSI file.
- You can install the file with the command: wine msiexec /i whatever-filename.msi
You have more questions about Windows? Check out our forum!
What to Know
- An MSI file is a Windows installer package file.
- Double-click it to open it. Another way to see what’s inside one is to extract its files with 7-Zip.
- Convert from MSI to EXE with Ultimate MSI to EXE Converter.
This article explains what an MSI file is and how to edit or open one. It also explains how to turn one into an ISO or EXE file.
What Is an MSI File?
A file with the .MSI file extension is a Windows installer package file. It’s used by some versions of Windows when installing updates from Windows Update, as well as by other installer tools.
An MSI file holds all the information necessary for installing the software, including the files that should be installed and where on the computer those files should be installed to.
How to Open MSI Files
Windows Installer is what the Windows operating system uses to open MSI files when they’re double-clicked. It doesn’t need to be installed to your computer or downloaded from anywhere because it’s built-in to Windows. Opening the MSI file should invoke Windows Installer, so you can install the files that are contained within it.
MSI files are packed in an archive-like format, so you can actually extract the contents with a file unzip utility, like 7-Zip. If you have that or a similar program installed (most of them work similarly), you can right-click the MSI file and choose to open or extract the file to see all the files that are stored inside.
Using a file unzip tool is also useful if you want to browse the MSI files on a Mac. Since the MSI format is used by Windows, you can’t just double-click it on a Mac and expect it to open.
Extracting the parts that make up an MSI file does not mean you can «manually» install the software — the MSI will do it for you automatically.
How to Convert MSI Files
To convert MSI to ISO is possible only after you extract the files to a folder. Use a file unzip tool like I described above so that the files can exist in a regular folder structure. Then, with a program like WinCDEmu installed, right-click the folder and select Build an ISO image.
Another option is to convert MSI to EXE, which you can do with Ultimate MSI to EXE Converter. The program is simple to use: select the MSI file and choose where to save the EXE file. There aren’t any other options.
Introduced in Windows 8 and similar to MSI, APPX files are app packages that run in the Windows OS. See the tutorial at CodeProject if you need help converting from MSI to APPX.
How to Edit MSI Files
Editing MSI files isn’t as straightforward and easy as editing most other files, like DOCX and XLSX files, because it’s not a text format. However, Microsoft offers the Orca program, as part of the Windows Installer SDK, that edits an MSI file.
To use Orca in a standalone format without the whole SDK, download this copy from Technipages. After you install the program, right-click the MSI file and choose Edit with Orca.
Still Can’t Open It?
MSI files should be fairly easy to open, especially in Windows. If it’s not opening correctly or it isn’t doing anything at all when you double-click it, first check your computer for viruses. MSI files can carry malware, and if your files is infected with something, it might appear to do nothing when it’s opened.
Once you’ve ruled out malware, check that the file extension actually says «MSI.» If it’s something else, then you’re dealing with a different file format, in which case the information above is likely unhelpful.
For example, MSL files look related to MSI files, but only because the file extensions are similar (especially in lowercase: msl vs MSI). An MSL file is related to a script of some kind, meaning it can probably be viewed and edited in any text editor.
Another is MSIM, which is reserved for mSecure Password Manager backup files.
More on Windows Installer Files
«MSI» originally stood for the title of the program that works with this format: Microsoft Installer. However, the name has since changed to Windows Installer, so the file format is now called Windows Installer Package.
MSU files are similar but are Windows Vista Update Package files used by Windows Update on some versions of Windows, and installed by the Windows Update Standalone Installer (Wusa.exe).
MSIX files are based on the MSI format, but are ZIP-compressed packages used in Windows 10 and later. Microsoft’s App Installer tool opens them, and any ZIP decompression tool, including 7-Zip, can extract its contents.
FAQ
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While both are types of application installers, the primary difference between the two extensions is their purpose. While EXE is primarily used to indicate an executable file, MSI indicates a Windows installer file.
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Open an elevated Command Prompt, and then enter msiexec /a “pathtotheMSIfile” with the location of the MSI file, and press Enter.
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Run the .exe file, but don’t proceed to installation. Go to the Windows temp folder (you can enter «%temp%» in the Run dialog), locate the MSI package for the EXE file, and copy the MSI package to your desired location.
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By Daisy | Follow |
Last Updated
This post focuses on the MSI file. If you don’t know what it is, how to convert it, then, you should refer to this post. Besides, you can also know how to edit the MSI file and how to convert it from this post.
If you have a file with the file extension .msi, then it can only be launched by certain applications. The .MSI file may be data files rather than documents or media, which means they will not be viewed at all. Now, the following is information on the MSI file. You can keep going.
What Is an MSI File
What is an MSI file? MSI file is the installation package file format used by Windows. Its name comes from the original name of the program, Microsoft Installer, which has been changed to Windows Installer. MSI files are used to install, store, and delete programs.
These files are contained in a package that is used with the program’s client installer service (.exe file) to open and install the program. If you want to earn more information on installing programs, you can go to the MiniTool official website.
How to Open MSI File
The Windows operating system is a tool used to double-click MSI files in the Windows operating system. It does not need to be installed on the computer or downloaded from anywhere, because it is built-in in Windows. Only opening MSI files should call Windows Installer so that you can install the files contained within.
MSI files are packaged in an archive-like format, so you can extract the contents using a file unzip utility (such as 7-Zip). If you have already installed this program or a similar program, you can right-click the MSI file and choose to open or unzip the file to view all the files stored in it.
If you want to browse MSI files on a Mac, it is also useful to use a file decompression tool. Since Windows uses the MSI format, you can’t just double-click it on the Mac and expect it to open.
How to Edit MSI File
Since the MSI file is not a text format, editing it is not as straightforward as editing most other file formats. However, Microsoft provides the Orca program as part of the Windows Installer SDK for editing MSI files.
Orca can be used in a standalone format without using the entire SDK. Technipages has a copy that you can download. After installing Orca, right-click on an MSI file and select “Edit with Orca”.
Be careful not to rename the extension on the .msi file or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special conversion software can change files from one file type to another.
How to Convert MSI File
The MSI can be converted to ISO only after the files are unzipped to a folder. Use the file decompression tool as described above so that the files can exist in the regular folder structure. Then, with a program such as WinCDEmu installed, right-click the folder and select Build ISO image.
Another option is to convert MSI to EXE, you can use Ultimate MSI to convert to EXE Converter. The program is easy to use: select the MSI file, and then choose where to save the EXE file. No other choice.
Also see: 5 Methods to Fix Winword.Exe Application Error
Introduced in Windows 8 and similar to MSI, APPX files are application packages that run on the Windows operating system. If you need help converting MSI to APPX, please visit Microsoft’s website.
Final Words
So far, this post has talked about the basic information of the MSI file. Besides, you can also know how to open/edit/convert it on Windows. After reading the post, you may have an overall understanding of the MSI file. Here comes the end of the post.
About The Author
Position: Columnist
Having been an editor at MiniTool since graduating college as an English major, Daisy specializes in writing about data backups, disk cloning, and file syncing as well as general computer knowledge and issues. In her free time, Daisy enjoys running and going with friends to the amusement park.
by William Kent
MSI Viewer is a program used to open Microsoft Installer (MSI) files and view their contents.
Operating system: Windows
Publisher:
William Kent
Antivirus check: passed
Report a Problem
MSI Viewer software is a comprehensive software application that is designed to help users view, analyze, and manipulate MSI (Microsoft Installer) files. MSI Viewer is an easy-to-use tool that allows users to easily view, analyze, and modify MSI files in a convenient, intuitive manner. MSI Viewer is an essential tool for any user who needs to work with MSI files on a regular basis.
The MSI Viewer allows users to quickly and easily view MSI files without needing to install any additional software.
Features:
• View MSI files in a convenient, tabbed interface
• View and edit MSI file properties and associated tables
• Preview changes to MSI files in real time
• Automatically detect and display errors in MSI files
• Generate detailed reports of MSI files
• Import and export data from MSI files
• Easily customize MSI files
• Generate MSI files from existing project files
• Supports all major versions of the Windows Installer (MSI)
• Compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP
• Supports both x86 and x64 versions of Windows
• Quickly and easily search for MSI files
• Create MSI packages with ease
• Supports multiple languages
• Create MSI packages from existing project files
• Automatically generate MSI files from existing project files
• Supports multiple languages
• Easy-to-use user interface
The minimum technical requirements for MSI Viewer software are:
— Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (32-bit and 64-bit)
— Minimum RAM: 512 MB
— Hard disk space: 10 MB
— Processor: Intel Pentium 4 or above
— .NET Framework 4.0 or above
Supports viewing of both installed and uninstalled MSI files.
Offers the ability to extract specific files from an MSI.
Features a simple and user-friendly interface for easy navigation.
Limited functionality in the free version.
The user interface is not intuitive.
Provides slow technical support response times.
David
Mon, Jan 22, 2024
The MSI Viewer software is a tool that enables users to view analyze and modify Microsoft Installer (MSI) files. It comes with a user interface that allows you to easily view, edit and customize MSI files without the need, for software installation. This software provides an interface for file viewing and allows you to edit properties and associated tables. It also offers real time previews of any changes made. Moreover the MSI Viewer can automatically display errors generate reports, import/export data and support the creation of MSI packages from existing project files. Some key features of this software include compatibility with versions of Windows Installer, support for both x86 and x64 Windows versions, language support options and efficient search capabilities, for locating MSI files. Although the free version has limitations in terms of functionality compared to the paid version it still allows users to view both installed and uninstalled MSI files extract files as required and easily navigate through them. and Please note that technical support response times may be slower than desired. However overall feedback suggests that MSI Viewer is highly regarded as a tool— for those who frequently work with MSI files.
👨💻️ USER REVIEWS AND COMMENTS 💬
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Freddie D.
MSI Viewer is an excellent software for viewing and managing images. It provides a convenient and intuitive user interface, with a good selection of image-editing tools. The software is able to open image files of different formats, like JPG, PNG, GIF, and others. It also has an advanced search function, which allows users to quickly find the images they need. Moreover, the software allows batch file conversion and resizing of images. It also supports drag and drop operations. Additionally, MSI Viewer has a good preview option, which is useful for quickly viewing images. Overall, I find it to be a great tool for viewing and managing images.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Oliver M*****f
1. MSI Viewer is a convenient and easy-to-use software for viewing and editing MSI files.
2. The user interface is intuitive and the overall experience is smooth.
3. It supports many popular MSI file formats and its batch editing capabilities are quite efficient.
4. It also has some useful features such as the ability to preview files before saving.
5. The software is stable and reliable, with no major issues encountered during my usage.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Muhammad B**********e
This software allows users to view and analyze MSI files, which are Windows installer packages. It provides a detailed breakdown of the package’s contents and allows for the extraction of individual files. Additionally, it offers the ability to edit certain properties of the package and view its installation log. The software is user-friendly and can be useful for software developers and IT professionals.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Jamie U.
MSI Viewer software is a tool that allows users to view and analyze MSI files.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Riley U*******o
MSI Viewer software allows users to view and extract information from MSI files with ease.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
John
Allows easy viewing and extraction of MSI files, but interface can be a bit confusing initially.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
David
Dependable for inspecting, editing MSI files.
image/svg+xmlBotttsPablo Stanleyhttps://bottts.com/Florian Körner
Ben
Easy to navigate, accurate.
Intuitive visualization of MSI files.
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Immunity Debugger is a powerful Windows-based debugger for the analysis and debugging of binary applications and malware.
Texe is a software package for creating and editing text-based documents.
Java Decompiler is a tool to decompile Java class files and reconstruct the original source code.
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What Is an MSI File?
In this way, both executable file (EXE file) files and MSI files are used to install and run Windows programs. They are identical to one another. EXE files can, however, simply execute the software they contain when double-clicked and do not always have installers. On the other hand, MSI files invariably include installers.
MSI files are opened by Windows using the Windows Installer software. The Microsoft Installer was the previous name of this program, which is how MSI files got their name.
Then .MSI stands for Microsoft Software Installer in file extensions. Customizing installer packages, such as Windows applications or update packages, makes use of Microsoft’s Windows Installer service.
The MSI file extension is used to install software on Windows operating systems. It can use to customize, update, uninstall, and install applications on a computer.
How Do I Open an MSI File?
The user can use 7zip to extract the.msi file in order to view the content of an MSI file format and able to read the files; the user cannot modify them.
If a user wants to open and quickly edit an MSI file, they can utilize the Orca tool. Free software called Orca can be used to see the MSI’s content in table view mode.
When end users want a fast overview of the package’s details and internal organization without actually installing it, Orca can be useful. Going to the property table will allow viewing:
- product name
- product version
- manufacturer
- product code
An MSI file can be opened and edited with ease and clarity using Advanced Installer.
A glance over these things better because of its sophisticated GUI
- File structure
- Registry
- Shortcuts
- Features
- Components
- Services, and more
Also, view the MSI files on a Mac by using a file unzipping program. Because Windows uses the MSI format, by double-clicking it on a Mac, it won’t open.
This software only installs this software automatically, so don’t worry about how to install it manually. It has very easy steps for installation.
What’s the Difference Between an MSI File And an EXE File?
The distinction is that EXE files don’t exclusively exist in installer formats. They could be separate program executables. Every Windows program launched is an executable file.
Because of the potential for malware to concealed by this property, MSI file installers preferred over EXE file installers, especially in enterprise situations where security is critical. Because there is a chance that a .exe file could start a virus sequence on the machine instead of launching an installation wizard.
However, if the.exe installations come from a trusted source, such as authorized vendors or not unreliable program hosting services, they are approved.
Another difference between MSI and EXE installation files is the availability of install parameters. The parameters for MSIs are the same regardless of the application, while for EXEs, it depends on the tools and choices that the installer’s creators made when they were constructing it.
Final Words
MSIs are a reliable installer format that follows industry standards and best practices. MSIs can especially useful for enterprise situations since they might be more secure than their EXE equivalents.
What type of installation format do you prefer? Please tell us in the comments. Hope this helps and makes it easier to understand the format that will be most useful while installing. Continue to check back with us for updates.