Haven't you ever encountered the annoying and annoying thing that every time you install software, the uninstallation is incomplete and there are still a bunch of junk files left? Today we are going to talk about several common installation formats on the Windows platform and see which one can effectively solve your troubles and pain points.
MSI installation package: a powerful tool for enterprise deployment
The abbreviation of Microsoft Installer is MSI, which uses the standard installation and uninstallation interface provided by Microsoft. From a technical perspective, MSI is essentially a database that covers all the necessary data required for software installation. When you double-click an MSI file, the system will read the database and install it according to predetermined rules.
There is an installation method with an obvious feature. It will not explore whether the software already exists in the computer, nor will it check whether certain necessary components are missing. It will directly overwrite all files in the installation path. Although this method is simple and extensive, it is extremely practical in unattended batch deployment situations. Many hardware drivers are also installed using the MSI format.
EXE installation package: the most feature-rich option
On the Windows platform, the EXE format is the most popular and the most familiar to everyone. The EXE installation file is essentially an executable program. Most software is distributed using this format. Because it is a program, it can achieve more functions, such as detecting the installed version, allowing customized installation path settings, selecting the language used for installation, setting the password used during installation, etc.
Developers are particularly fond of the EXE format because it offers extremely rich customization potential. Many of the shareware I created previously used the Setup program to generate such installation files. You can add your company logo, display a detailed copyright agreement, and even automatically detect and install missing essential runtime libraries. However, relatively speaking, it is extremely difficult for EXE installers to achieve fully automatic installation. Generally speaking, users need to manually click Next.
AppX installation package: Microsoft’s attempt at sandboxing
The new installation format launched after Windows 8 is AppX. Many netizens may have never seen a program using this format. It is an installation package for UWP applications. This format inherits the advantages of MSI. The installation process is as simple as mobile software, leaving almost no room for users to choose.
An AppX program running in a sandbox environment cannot enter the memory and files of other applications. This isolation mechanism greatly improves the security of the system. It allows direct coverage and upgrade of 16 personalities tests , and can also completely clean up all data during uninstallation. However, this format has not really become popular. The main reason is that it is not friendly to developers, restricts software permissions, and requires rewriting the code to package the AppX format.
MSIX installation package: a new generation of installation standards
The advantages of the MSIX file format are the integration of various previous installation technologies, and the UWP security features are also the focus of its successful inheritance. From a user's perspective, the MSIX installation process looks like an MSI file, but its working principle is exactly the same as an AppX file. It has been optimized and upgraded in terms of network bandwidth and disk space management, supports the program's unique custom operation implementation, and can ensure a cleaner uninstall function.
Programs installed through MSIX are all placed in a sandbox-like environment, and all files and registries are stored in designated folders according to rules. When uninstalling, all data will be completely deleted without leaving any residue. Moreover, MSIX packages must have trusted digital signatures, and all software uploaded to the app store does not need to be reviewed by Microsoft.
How developers can convert to MSIX format
Microsoft provides an extremely simple MSIX conversion tool to drive developers to use the new format. Developers can directly convert existing EXE, MSI or AppX files to MSIX format without having to rewrite the code. This greatly reduces migration costs, allowing more traditional applications to enjoy the benefits of the new format.
The MSIX package format retains the functions of existing application packages and installation files, while opening up new packaging and deployment features for Win32, WPF and Windows Forms applications. It relies on block mapping files for incremental downloads and differential updates. The package manifest file covers all information required for system deployment and updates.
How should ordinary users choose?
For daily use, if you download software from the official website, the EXE format is still the safest choice because it has comprehensive functions and its compatibility is relatively excellent. If you download an application from a store operated by Microsoft, you will encounter AppX or MSIX formats. Such applications make installation easy and uninstalling very thorough, so there is no need to worry about the system being messed up.
It is really easy to open MSIX files in Windows 10 or 11 systems. You only need to double-click to start the installation. As time goes by, more and more software are beginning to use the MSIX format to publish MBTI tests . This trend indicates that future software installations will be safer and cleaner. The next time you install software for the MBTI personality test , which format will you choose first? Welcome to share your experiences and opinions in the comment area!