PSMSI

PSMSI is a PowerShell module for creating Windows MSI installers from PowerShell scripts. It builds WiX XML from cmdlets such as New-Installer, New-InstallerDirectory, and New-InstallerFile, then runs the WiX Toolset v3 compiler and linker that ship with the module.

Use PSMSI when you want a repeatable installer build script for files, folders, shortcuts, simple installer UI customization, and PowerShell custom actions.

Features

Create MSI packages from PowerShell build scripts.
Install files into predefined Windows Installer folders such as LocalAppDataFolder, ProgramFilesFolder, ProgramMenuFolder, and DesktopFolder.
Build per-user installers or per-machine installers that require elevation.
Create nested application folders and allow one folder to be configurable during install.
Add Add/Remove Programs metadata, icons, help links, and about links.
Create file and folder shortcuts with arguments, working directories, icons, and window state.
Run PowerShell scripts during install or uninstall with custom actions.
Add a basic installer UI with a EULA, completion text, and custom images.

Quick Example

$OutputDirectory = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "output"
$ConfigPath = Join-Path $PSScriptRoot "appsettings.json"

New-Installer -ProductName "My First Product" `
    -Manufacturer "Example Company" `
    -UpgradeCode "1a73a1be-50e6-4e92-af03-586f4a9d9e82" `
    -Version "1.0.0" `
    -OutputDirectory $OutputDirectory `
    -Content {
        New-InstallerDirectory -PredefinedDirectoryName "LocalAppDataFolder" -Content {
            New-InstallerDirectory -DirectoryName "My First Product" -Content {
                New-InstallerFile -Source $ConfigPath
            }
        }
    }

The output directory contains the generated .wxs, .wxsobj, and .msi files. The .msi file is the installer you distribute.

Feature Guides

More Information

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Last updated 1 month ago