Surely you have already encountered MSIX files in Windows 10 and do not know exactly how to use them. Basically, a file with the .msix extension is an installer for Windows applications. In other words, it is an alternative to the .exe, .msi and .appx files presented by Microsoft. However, it is important to trust the source and verify it very well before executing this type of file. You want to know more? Here we will explain the difference between each type of file and the advantages of .msix over other formats.
The different types of Windows installers
Each of the Windows installer formats has different strengths and weaknesses. Let's see one by one how they differ:
M: YES
MSI installers are much better for a simple and unattended installation. They have a basic GUI (graphical user interface) that installs or uninstalls a program without presenting options. In other words, it is a compressed set of installation files with the necessary data for the software.
MSIX files
Basically, an MSIX file is an MSI file with all the advantages of an AppX file.
The process of installing an MSI file does not detect if the software is installed or if a component is missing. It simply overwrites all files (if any) at the destination chosen to install. This simplicity is basically a silent install, with all the default values.
EXE
EXE installers are more flexible than MSIs, but having more capacity is also more complex. This type of installer can have different options for plugins, languages, detect old installations, among other things. This type of installer even allows you to customize the installation destination and select the components to install.
Developers can add their brand to the graphical interface and terms of service. But this causes an unattended silent installation to be impossible, somewhat less useful in a business context.
AppX
AppX installers are used for universal Windows applications and have some features of MSI. They are very simple and direct installers, offering few options to the user. But they do have an easier upgrade process from older software versions to newer versions. They also allow for a cleaner and more efficient uninstall.
AppX installers rely on container technology, so they are isolated from the rest of Windows for security. The appx packages can only be used in Windows 10, ie initially earlier versions of Windows are incompatible.
MSIX files combine the best of AppX and MSI
The MSIX files are very similar to MSI but with the benefits of appx. This is a very simple installer, in fact, they can be written for automatic and unattended installation. In addition, it has container technology, allowing updates and uninstalls easily.
MSIX files
MSIX files are very simple installers and have container technology, so their installation, update, and uninstallation are very clean.
For the user, an MSIX file is like installing an MSI file, but behind the curtain, it is installed as an AppX. Also, MSIX files can be distributed outside of the Microsoft Store. This process allows old software to be incorporated and packaged to be installed as MSIX.
MSIX can work on Windows 7, Linux and other operating systems
While MSIX is released for Windows 10, Microsoft released an SDK to improve cross-platform compatibility. Providing support for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux and previous versions of Windows. Developers should only include special instructions in the files to identify the operating system.
However, MSIX files may take a while to appear. Since Microsoft is still making some adjustments. When you are ready, developers will be able to adopt and implement this new installation method. Although it is optional, so they may continue to use .exe and .msi installers.
