Should You Install Software Using .EXE or .MSI ?

What do you really know about installing programs?

▼ Time Stamps: ▼
0:00 - Intro
0:34 - Exe File Basics
1:06 - Msi File Explained
2:35 - Advantages for Enterprise
4:25 - Advantages for Regular Users
7:12 - Should You Use Msi Instead of Exe?

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[darranrowe]

I have to point out that Windows Installer (.msi) files aren't safer than executable installers.
Windows installer files can define custom actions. These custom actions allow executing executable files or loading dynamic libraries to execute code.
Currently, the safest Windows installation technology is the appx/msix packaging stuff because this doesn't allow custom actions.

[MonochromeWench]

Many exe insatallers are just the Msi wrapped in an exe that extracts the msi and runs windows installer. This is largely a holdover from old versions of Windows, the exe wrapper will install an updated version of the Windows Installer if needed before installing the msi. Modern versions of Windows already have the latest installer version (kept updated by Windows update) so they don't need manual updates. In these cases the msi is a better choice cause it is typically a smaller download (in the age of dialup this was a big advantage). Exe installers are most likely offered these days just for people unsure about MSI files even though they have been around for more than 20 years

[NikitaKaramov]

The best profit of this standardization comes from the fact, that MSI installers (especially in minimal/quiet mode) are physically unable to show ads or in any other way annoy me during the installation (or even worse, during the uninstallation). Just msiexec /q and done; such a relief!

[jorjorwell]

msi files are amazing when you’re deploying to a fleet of computers + installation flags are there as well

[IZeoClass]

The "Person Break Computer" video was top notch. Loved it while ThioJoe was explaining in a reasonable way his stuff.

[IKEELUFIRST]

This channel has come such a long way—I remember his early videos being computer prank videos, and here he is explaining different installer properties 😂 we’ve matured together ThioJoe

[windowsfan]

One application that is a very good example of having a difference in the exe and the msi is Zoom. The exe only installs for the currently logged on user, while the msi installs the application for all users. So if you are going install zoom on a computer that has several user or are connected to a domain you will have use the msi, otherwise only the one installing the program will be able to use it.

[TheBuckalicious]

MSI files also allow for the use of MST (Microsoft Transform) files. MST files allow for configuration of different deployments of of the MSI. Examples include specifying different installation directories, adding files to be included/copied in the install, and specifying installation information required at installation, such as User Name, Organization Name, and/or software key.

[erlendse]

Two more points:
MSI is managed, I have had cases where trying to start a program actually starts repairs; then finally starts it (Seen somewhere in the XP - 7 era)
MSI have some install "on demand" feature, but I have not looked more into it.

[DexieTheSheep]

I love seeing an MSI as a setup file, since it basically guarantees that I won't have to worry about any clunky custom-made non-native UIs that usually lag and aren't able to be dragged around n stuff. MSI files always install in one uniform way that feels comfortable because it fits in with the rest of the OS.

Edit: Read the replies for more info, pretty cool stuff

[Decommissioned]

Your videos are really informative, thank you!

[bufordmaddogtannen]

The msi installer doesn't necessarily create an uninstall script. Most of the time a copy of the msi installer is copied in the system often sucking space (think about 500MB for vmware workstation and a few hundreds MB for assorted drivers and utilities).
If you delete those, you will not be able to uninstall or even upgrade a piece of software as windows will look for a previous installer.

[SilverAura]

9:35 I can tell you that as someone who thought they were pretty well caught up on their tech... you humbled the hell out of me. This is actually really incredible info to know for those outside of it. Best part is you had me thinking from the title to the end.

[KrystalDal]

after browsing through so many channels. Yours is by far the best. The explaining thod is so great and detailed even complex stuff is

[jonnyrose]

Thank you for this. Im in a program that briefly talked about MSI and EXE but I was a bit lost as I felt they were not covering a lot. this helped me better understand it. thanks!

[Royan]

Didn't even know about this, interesting topic, I'll be choosing MSI when given the choice, thanks!

[FoxyDrew]

This guys fire at turning an answer to a simple question, into an EXACTLY 10 minute video, lol.

[weuheji]

great video! im super amazed of this quality of videos being your first one, keep going and youll make it far! :D

[billloomis]

Always wondered, now I know! Thanks for the great explanation and video

[mattu]

I feel that .msi instead of standing for "Microsoft (MS) Installer (I)" it should be "Microsoft (M) Software (S) Installer (I)" because it makes more sense.