Files with the .msix extension are application installation files in the Windows. Microsoft uses recently files with MSIX extensions as an alternative to EXE, MSI and AppX packages.
So until now Windows has three common installation files: MSI, EXE and AppX. Each of them has different advantages and disadvantages.
MSI
MSI installers are the best for simple installations. They use a basic graphical user interface (GUI) that installs or uninstalls the program without any add-ins or options.
This installer is a compressed set of installation files that contains all the necessary data for the software you want to install. The installation process does not detect if the software already exists or if some are missing data, and may overwrite any files in the installation path. This simplicity means “silent” installations of all defaults.
EXE
EXE installation programs are more flexible than MSI installers, but with the added capabilities come complications. This installer may have options for languages, add-ons, tracking of previous installations, and more. EXE installers allow custom installation paths and select the items you want to install.
Developers can add their own brand name to the GUI and incorporate the terms of service into a different language or direct to a web page for a welcome message. All of this makes the unattended facilities much more complicated.
AppX
AppX installers are used for globals applications των Windows (Universal Windows Apps) και διαθέτουν μερικά από τα χαρακτηριστικά των MSI. Είναι απλοί εγκαταστάτες με πολύ λίγες επιλογές στον τελικό χρήστη. Επιτρέπουν ευκολότερες αναβαθμίσεις από παλαιότερες εκδόσεις software to newer and allow cleaner uninstalls.
AppX installers use container technology, so they are isolated from the rest of the operating system for greater security. Unfortunately, a program written with an MSI or EXE installer will have to be rewritten or converted from scratch into an AppX package. AppX packages can only be used with Windows 10.
MSIX
MSIX files have the advantages of AppX and are very similar to MSI files. This is a simple installation program that system administrators can even create scripts for unattended automated installations. It also uses this container technology, which allows for smooth and safe installations, uninstallations and upgrades.
On the user's side, MSIX files are installed as MSI files, but in the background the installation is like AppX. Additionally, MSIX files can be distributed outside of the Microsoft Store. It is easier to convert older programs and repackage them to MSIX.
But the most exciting feature of MSIX is that Microsoft has an SDK to enhance platform compatibility. As shown in GitHub pageThe support it is possible for operating iOS, MacOS, Android, Linux and also for older versions of Windows.
Uninstall
When you install a program with MSI and EXE files, this application can make changes to the registry, and create files and folders across your system. But when you remove the application, many of these files and changes to the registry remain, leaving lots of junk on your system.
With MSIX files, programs are installed into containers that contain all the necessary files. So when you try to remove the application, all the data is deleted and there is no junk in your system.
Are MSIX files secure?
This is another installer. Like any other installer, if you do not trust the source, do not run the application on your computer.
When will we see the MSIX files?
Microsoft is still developing the platform capabilities and, until recently, only Windows 10 Insiders could create MSIX packages.
But even after full development, developers will have to change installers that use years. Adopting a new format comes with risks and costs. We hope to see the new technology soon.
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