.msi files
.msi file
Windows Installer Package
A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
What opens a .msi file
- Windows
- Windows Installer (built in — double-click), 7-Zip (to inspect contents), Orca (to edit)
- macOS
- 7-Zip via Wine (to inspect only)
- Linux
- msiextract (msitools), Wine
What a .msi file is
MSI is a database of files and registry changes that the Windows Installer service applies, which is why MSI-installed software appears properly in Add or Remove Programs and can be deployed by IT policy. Double-clicking installs it; msiexec on the command line gives silent and repair options. Outside Windows an MSI is just a container — 7-Zip can list it, but nothing will install it.
Converting it
A .msi file is commonly converted to .exe or .zip. It is a binary format, so a text editor will show unreadable characters rather than its contents.
Details
- Extension
- .msi
- Full name
- Windows Installer Package
- Category
- Programs and installers
- MIME type
- application/x-msi
- Created by
- Microsoft
- Format
- Binary
Common questions
- How do I open a .msi file?
- On Windows use Windows Installer (built in — double-click); on macOS use 7-Zip via Wine (to inspect only); on Linux use msiextract (msitools). A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall.
- What is a .msi file?
- Windows Installer Package. MSI is a database of files and registry changes that the Windows Installer service applies, which is why MSI-installed software appears properly in Add or Remove Programs and can be deployed by IT policy. Double-clicking installs it; msiexec on the command line gives silent and repair options.
- Can I convert a .msi file?
- Yes. It is usually converted to .exe or .zip, either by exporting from one of the programs listed above or with a format converter.
Related pages
- .exe — Windows Executable A Windows program. It runs code, which is why it is also the classic way to get
- .apk — Android Application Package An Android app installer — a zip of code and resources.
- .dll — Dynamic Link Library Shared Windows code that programs load — not something you open or run.
- .sh — Shell Script A text file of Unix shell commands, run by bash, zsh or sh.
- .deb — Debian Software Package The installer format for Debian, Ubuntu and their derivatives.
- .jar — Java Archive A zip of compiled Java classes — a library, or a runnable program.
- .bat — Windows Batch File A plain-text list of Command Prompt commands that runs when you double-click it.
- .pkg — macOS Installer Package A macOS installer that runs a guided setup, rather than a drag-and-drop app.
- .ps1 — PowerShell Script A script for Windows PowerShell — Microsoft's modern automation shell.
- .ipa — iOS Application Archive An iPhone or iPad app package — installable only through Apple-sanctioned channe
- .rpm — RPM Package The installer format for Fedora, Red Hat, openSUSE and their relatives.
- .appimage — AppImage Portable Application A whole Linux application in one file that runs without being installed.
Sources
- Media Types Registry — IANA
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place