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Best Installer Software Package for Windows [2024 Guide]
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Updated onJanuary 8, 2024
updated onJanuary 8, 2024
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Key notes
Software either comes with an installer (setup wizard) or has a compressed Zip file.
Most developers and programmers probably prefer to deliver their programs with an installer instead of just bundling them into a Zip or self-extracting archive.
Providing well-functioning and easy to follow installers creates a better user experience and doesn’t leave much room for errors.
The way you configure your installer software is often crucial as it makes for the first impression. If the installer looks dated or unprofessional, chances are that users may disregard your program, even if it is actually really good.
So if you need to set up an installer for your latest software package, you’ll need a Windows installer application to parcel it together.
There are a variety of Windows installer software packages, and these are some of the best ones compatible with Windows 10.
You will see that these software vary in functions. Some require good coding knowledge and previous experience, while others are more intuitive and easier to learn.
Depending on your level and on what you plan to achieve with your program, you can find both easy, but less configurable tools, as well as highly-customizable ones.
What are the best software package installers for Windows 10?
Actual Installer
Actual Installer is a great tool for all types of software that need to be wrapped up for deploying on different PCs. You must know from the start that Actual Installer works on Windows programs. Let’s see what this tool has to give.
Actual Installer doesn’t require script knowledge. To get started, you just have to fill in a form with specifics about your software like its name, its version, your company’s name, and other relevant information of this kind.
You can either create a standard installation or an upgrade. Just select what you prefer and InstallAware will make the configuration automatically.
This software can be great for beginners because it guides you through each step and doesn’t allow you to miss any details. You can easily pick the system requirements for your software, add shortcuts, create updates, and more.
Installaware can also help you generate easy-to-follow and functional uninstaller packages for your software. You just have to go to the Uninstallation tab in the GUI.
Otherkey featuresinclude:
This tool comes in a trial version so you can test it and the paid version with different feature packages.
Actual Installer
InstallAware
InstallAwareis one of the best alternatives toInstallShield. This Windows installer software has a much more extensive GUI than Inno Setup, drag-and-drop scripting commands, and plenty of visual wizards to guide novice programmers.
InstallAwarealso has five alternative versions that are Express, Developer, Studio, and Studio Developer. One is a freeware version that has Visual Studio Integration, which you can add to Windows 10 by clicking theDownload Nowbuttonon this page.
InstallAwaremakes the most of some of the latest technologies that elevate it above other Windows installer software. For example, it boastsInstantInstallTechnology that enables users to set up the fastest installers. It hasWebAwareInstallation Technology that reduces installer file sizes.
InstallAwarealso offersHybridInstallation Technology so that you can switch between Native Code setup engines and Windows Installer at runtime.
And it’s the first installer package to support the full Redstone ecosystem so that you can pin your apps to the Windows 10 Start menu and taskbaralongsidethe live tiles.
Install Aware does offer visual support for MSI customization. You just have to select your preferred settings and the software will automatically transform your MSI setup accordingly.
Otherkey features include:
You can use the 14-day free trial to test InstallAware. The trial version allows experimenting with all the features available.
Install Aware
InstallShield
InstallShieldis the industry standard Windows installer software that many of the larger development houses use. It comes with an Express, Professional, and Premier version for MSI, EXE,UWP(Universal Windows Platform) andWSAinstallations.
The most basicInstallShieldExpress is pretty expensive, but it includesthe most extensive set of options to build your installer with.
The software gives users an intuitive development UI to set up EXE and MSI installers as well asUWPandWSApackages. It enables you tovirtualizeapplications with minimal scripting required.
It has comprehensive support for Windows 7, 8, and 10 and enables users to create installations for programs with Microsoft Visual Studio.
The latest edition ofInstallShieldenables you to set up custom Windows 10 Start screen tiles for your installers.
You can quickly scan your installer to check its compatibility withUWPand Windows Server App Packages. Furthermore, you can also createWSAandUWPapp packages from existingInstallShieldprojects.
Otherkey featuresinclude:
InstallShield is a professional-level tool. While it is very resourceful, we have to admit that it can be pricey. You can, however, try it for free before purchasing.
⇒Get InstallShield
InnoSetup
Inno Setupis a great budget alternative toInstallShieldwhich is one of the best established Windows installer programs.
This is a syntax highlighting script editor with a more limited GUI that you can script your installers with. With this you can set up customizable setup files, single EXE for Web distribution,INIentries, registry entries and Start menu icons.
Inno Setuphas extensive file compression support. It has support for encrypted installs and disk spanning. Furthermore, you can set up digitally signed installs and uninstalls with the software.
The software is also compatible with all Windows platforms back to Windows Vista, but some features are OS-specific. For example, you can integrate your own fonts only if you run the setup on a Windows 10, version 1803 or later.
You have multiple options when it comes to the appearance of your installer. You can resize it, use a classic or a modern value, add high-quality images, light and dark themes, and more. These can help you create great user experiences for your customers.
Otherkey featuresinclude:
Inno Setup also offers an Encryption Module that allows you to set up passwords. Because of encryption laws in various countries, you need to download the module separately, but the configuration is easy and fast.
⇒Get Inno Setup
NullsoftInstaller System (NSIS)
NullsoftInstaller System is one of the best budget Windows installer software packages. This software doesn’t have a GUI, but is instead a compiler forNSISinstaller scripts. So you’ll need to set up the script with an alternative editor.
However, you can set up some advanced installers withNSIS. It also has minimal system requirements compared with the other Windows installer programs.
The software boasts advanced compression methods. Users can choose between theZlib,BZip2,andLZMAcompression methods.LZMAis one of the most effective compression methods, and there’s norequirementfor self-extracting archive models.
Another good thing aboutNSISis its plug-in system. You can extendNSISwith a number of C, C++, or Delphi plug-ins. Then you can enhance the installer’s UI with the plug-ins. Below is the WINAMP installer set up with NSIS.
You can use NSIS to create both simple and advanced installers. It is based on scripts, so you have the freedom to make in-depth customization to your installer wizard.
Otherkey featuresinclude:
You can pick from a classic or modern wizard interface, and you can also use the software to create your own.
⇒Get Nullsoft Installer System
WiXToolset
WiXis another Windows installer tool without a GUI. It’s a command-line utility that compiles source code to create EXE and MSI setup and installation packages.
This is not really software for novice developers, but there are extensive tutorials on its website. You can add it to Windows 10 from theWiXwebsite.
WiXhas an extensivetoolsetfor developers to set up installers with. It enables developers to create setup bundles that installnumerousruntime prerequisites. In addition, developers can also add SQL databases or generate IIS websites with theWiXcompiler extensions.
WiX Toolset can help you create accessible installers by allowing you to integrate multiple languages.
You can also use WiX o build patches, merge modules and transforms. You can build installers from scratch, and you can also customize already existing ones.
Otherkey featuresinclude:
WiX can be used directly from Visual Studio for both simple and advanced setups.
Those are the best installer software packages for Windows 10. Those developers can set up some great installers for end-users to install programs with.
If you have better suggestions or additions don’t hesitate to drop us a line in the comments section below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
