5+ best software package installers for Windows [2021 Guide]

  • Although most developers prefer to send software with an installer, certain clients insist on receiving installer packages.
  • We’ve put together a list of the most useful software solutions for dealing with installer packages.
  • Users may also use a straightforward interface to put up EXE and MSI installations with one program.
  • Another tool includes visual wizards and drag-and-drop programming commands for beginners.

Either an installer (setup wizard) or a compressed Zip file is included with the software.

Instead of packing their products into a Zip or self-extracting archive, most developers and programmers undoubtedly prefer to deploy them via an installer.

So, if you need to create an installer for your latest software package, you’ll need to use a Windows installer application.

There are many different Windows installer software packages available, and these are some of the best Windows 10 compatible ones.

1. Actual Installer

Actual Installer is a fantastic solution for wrapping up any software that needs to be distributed across several PCs. You should be aware right away that Actual Installer only works with Windows apps. Let’s have a look at what this tool has to offer:

  • Basic installation tools set
  • Support for x32-bit and x64-bit Windows applications
  • Multilingual installations
  • System Requirements check
  • Registry modifications
  • File associations
  • Font registrations
  • ActiveX components

This utility is available in two versions: a free trial version and a commercial version with various feature bundles.

2. InstallAware

InstallAware is one of the greatest InstallShield alternatives. This Windows installation software includes a far more comprehensive user interface than Inno Setup, as well as drag-and-drop scripting instructions and a number of visual wizards to help beginner coders.

There are five different versions of InstallAware: Express, Developer, Studio, and Studio Developer. The first is a freeware version with Visual Studio integration that you can download and install on Windows 10 by clicking the Download Now button on this page.

InstallAware takes advantage of some of the most cutting-edge technology to set it apart from other Windows installer applications. It has InstantInstall Technology, for example, which allows users to set up the fastest installers. It includes WebAware Installation Technology, which minimizes the size of installer files.

InstallAware also includes Hybrid Installation Technology, which allows you to switch between Native Code setup engines and Windows Installer at any moment during the installation process.

It’s also the first installer package to support the entire Redstone ecosystem, allowing you to pin apps to the Start menu and taskbar alongside live tiles in Windows 10.

 Get InstallAware

3. InstallShield

Many of the major development houses utilize InstallShield, which is the industry standard Windows installer software. For MSI, EXE, UWP (Universal Windows Platform), and WSA installations, there are three versions: Express, Professional, and Premier.

InstallShield 2016 Express is the most simple version, yet it contains the broadest collection of options for creating your installer.

Users can create EXE and MSI installers, as well as UWP and WSA packages, using the software’s easy programming interface. It allows you to virtualize programs with very little programming.

It has extensive support for Windows 7, 8, and 10, as well as the ability to generate program installations using Microsoft Visual Studio.

InstallShield’s latest version lets you create bespoke Windows 10 Start screen tiles for your installs.

You can rapidly scan your installer for UWP and Windows Server App Package compatibility. You may also use existing InstallShield projects to produce WSA and UWP app bundles. More information can be found in our InstallShield review.

 Get InstallShield

4. Inno Setup

InstallShield is one of the most well-known Windows installation applications, and Inno Setup is a wonderfully affordable option.

This is a script editor with syntax highlighting and a more limited GUI that you may use to write your installs. You may create configurable setup files, a single EXE for Web distribution, INI entries, registry entries, and Start menu icons with this program.

Inno Setup offers a lot of file compression options. It supports encrypted installs as well as disk spanning. You can also use the software to create digitally signed installs and uninstalls. All Windows platforms, dating back to Windows 2000, are supported by the software.

 Get Inno Setup

5. Nullsoft Installer System (NSIS)

One of the greatest affordable Windows installer software packages is Nullsoft Installer System. This program does not have a graphical user interface; instead, it is a compiler for NSIS installer scripts. As a result, you’ll need to use a different editor to set up the script.

NSIS, on the other hand, can be used to create complex installers. In comparison to other Windows installer tools, it has low system requirements.

Advanced compression technologies are included in the software. The compression algorithms Zlib, BZip2, and LZMA are available to users. LZMA is one of the most efficient compression algorithms, and self-extracting archive models aren’t required.

NSIS also has a plug-in system, which is a plus. NSIS can be enhanced using a variety of C, C++, and Delphi plug-ins. The plug-ins can then be used to improve the installer’s user interface. The WINAMP installation with NSIS is shown below.

 Get Nullsoft Installer System

6. WiX Toolset

WiX is another Windows installer that lacks a graphical user interface. It’s a command-line tool for compiling source code into EXE and MSI setup and installation packages.

Although this is not software for inexperienced programmers, it does provide extensive lessons on its website. You can get it from the WiX website and install it on Windows 10.

Developers can use WiX’s rich toolset to create installers. It allows programmers to design setup packages that install a variety of runtime requirements. With the WiX compiler extensions, developers may now add SQL databases and create IIS websites.

These are the top Windows 10 installer software bundles. Those developers can create some fantastic installers for end-users to use while installing software.

If you have any better ideas or additions, please let us know in the comments area below.

Loading Facebook Comments ...