---
title: ".msi file — what it is and how to open it"
description: "A .msi file is a Windows Installer Package. A structured Windows installer that the OS installs and can cleanly uninstall. How to open one on Windows, macOS and Linux, and what to convert it to."
url: https://atoneplace.net/file/msi/
site: "At One Place"
---

# .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](https://atoneplace.net/file/exe/)
- [.apk — Android Application Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/apk/)
- [.dll — Dynamic Link Library](https://atoneplace.net/file/dll/)
- [.sh — Shell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/sh/)
- [.deb — Debian Software Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/deb/)
- [.jar — Java Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/jar/)
- [.bat — Windows Batch File](https://atoneplace.net/file/bat/)
- [.pkg — macOS Installer Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/pkg/)
- [.ps1 — PowerShell Script](https://atoneplace.net/file/ps1/)
- [.ipa — iOS Application Archive](https://atoneplace.net/file/ipa/)
- [.rpm — RPM Package](https://atoneplace.net/file/rpm/)
- [.appimage — AppImage Portable Application](https://atoneplace.net/file/appimage/)

## Sources

- Media Types Registry — IANA (https://www.iana.org/assignments/media-types/)
- Official vendor product documentation — At One Place (/about/)