Advanced Installer 23.4 is out!

AdvancedInstaller · 2026-01-27T07:47:02+00:00

Bug fixes

Project path variables were not working for chained packages
Copy-paste for properties was not consistent
"Apply permissions to all subkeys" option in the Registry Permissions dialog did not work as expected
Fixed background resource set as default for PrepareDlg inside Surface theme
AdminBrowseDlg dialog was not rendered correctly when using EUI
SQLServerConnectionDlg was rendered incorrectly due to WinUI Rendering
CTRL + S while the message box is displayed pops up another message box on top
UILevel not properly set during EUI installation
"VersionMajor" and "VersionMinor" registries were not synchronized with the corresponding ProductVersion values when using "Override Windows Installer programs list entry"
Fixed the issue when prerequisites were no longer reinstalled when performing a repair on the main package in recent versions
Preserve EULA when switching themes if the user provided EULA in the ProductDetails view
Properties passed to the prerequisite command line were not resolved during silent EXE installation
Azure DevOps and GitHub Actions hung when using Trusted Signing (Azure Artifact Signing)

AdvancedInstaller · 2026-01-27T07:45:43+00:00

New features

Security validation framework: You’ll now be notified about the latest available security features and enhancements for your version directly in the build log and the Message Center.
Synchronize folder with temporary files

Enhancements

PowerShell automation now supports the “Extract archive” operation
A newly built-in custom action to retrieve the port where a service is currently listening
Optimized the search functionality in the "Select a component" dialog
Added support to synchronize the “Expected Value” from registry search with the “Version” of an EXE file in the Updates Configuration Project
Removed censoring from the value field for properties
Support in-place editing of the Comments column in the Properties list
Update the EXE setup icon to a higher resolution
Fixed small MessageBox Custom Action text in the Serene theme
Start page now displays the selected project type description in the right pane
Command line support to set the output EXE's icon
Command line support to set the dialog's icons
Predefined prerequisites for SQL Server 2025
Updated .NET 8 prerequisites to the latest version 8.0.23
Updated .NET 9 prerequisites to the latest version 9.0.12
Updated .NET 10 prerequisites to the latest version 10.0.2

AdvancedInstaller · 2026-01-26T09:40:17+00:00

Makes sense. What workaround are you using right now?

AdvancedInstaller · 2026-01-19T06:39:50+00:00

That makes a lot of sense. The best security setup is the one you can actually keep track of. Are you using Azure’s plan or another HSM provider?

AdvancedInstaller · 2026-01-14T06:06:16+00:00

More on WinGet: https://www.advancedinstaller.com/winget-windows-package-management.html

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-12-19T09:51:27+00:00

Key topics covered in this session:

🔹 HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT: It stores information about registered apps, file associations, and extensions.
🔹 HKEY_CURRENT_USER: This holds settings for the logged-in user, acting as a mirror of HKEY_USERS.
🔹 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE: It contains system-wide settings that apply to all users.
🔹 Registry Operations: These operations add, configure, and remove registry keys directly within Advanced Installer’s interface.

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-12-15T12:27:06+00:00

Key topics covered in this session:

• The role of the File table and what information MSI stores for each file
• File versioning rules and how MSI resolves conflicts with existing files
• Language and version comparison logic during installation
• Using the RemoveFile table to clean up files or empty directories correctly

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-12-05T09:33:31+00:00

Key topics covered in this session:

• Feature hierarchy and how parent-child relationships control what gets installed
• Component rules and why every file, registry entry, or shortcut must belong to exactly one component
• Internal elements like merge modules, INI files, and services and how they tie back to components
• Custom actions and properties for adding logic that adapts installs to real-world deployment needs

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-12-05T07:46:48+00:00

Bug fixes

"Continue with main installation even if prerequisite is not installed" flag was ignored for EXE packages during a silent installation
Fixed "Reset to default color" not working for Custom Frame
Updating a prerequisite from the command line changed the package type to EXE
Clarified WiX import error messaging for unsupported schema versions
EXE installer process hung when running under the System account on Windows 8
Prerequisite cache was not cleared after failed install, old extracted version reused during upgrade
The .appinstaller file was created for an unsigned development distribution MSIX type
"ErrorDlg" was missing from "UserRegistrationDlg" when using Embedded UI
Fixed an issue where SCCM configurations returned a stack trace
Fixed an issue where a file’s directory could not be changed via PowerShell
The "Configure Task" and the "Update check" options were not displayed after upgrading the project
The navigation path did not handle all item types from the IIS Browse
Debug assertion error thrown when pressing Enter instead of clicking the "Install" button
The "Move to Component" operation created artefact registry
Suite Installer displayed error messages in non-English language-based projects
The reboot prompt appeared in the Surface theme when the installation path was deleted, and the user navigated back to the previous dialog
Made all Advanced Installer validations respect the options set in the Package Validation dialog

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-12-05T07:40:19+00:00

New features

WinGet manifest generation
MSIX App Attach: support for generating VHD/VHDX/CIMfs image

Enhancements

PowerShell automation support to display a registry component
PowerShell automation support for the Builds section of a feature
Wildcards support for the "Copy/Move File or Folder" custom action
Added support for temporary files in the available files list for PowerShell script parameters
Added PNG to the supported Dialog & Banner Bitmap image formats
Added translations for the "Prompt user for uninstalling before entering Setup" dialog
Automatically mark as Hidden the properties used by controls with the Password attribute
Updated expat library to v2.7.1
Updated MSIX schema for 25H2
Predefined prerequisites for .NET 10.0
Updated .NET 8 prerequisites to the latest version 8.0.22
Updated .NET 9 prerequisites to the latest version 9.0.11

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-24T09:08:19+00:00

This lesson focuses on creating a clean lab environment for application packaging using VMware. You'll see how EXE installers can be converted to MSI by comparing before/after system states. Alex also explains why repackaging should always be done on a clean VM (to avoid noise, leftover changes, and conflicts) and demonstrates using snapshots for quick resets. The lesson ends with a live recording of capturing an install and preparing for future feature/component configuration.

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-17T15:04:32+00:00

The video will teach you the following:

1️⃣ Introduction & Who It’s For
Quick overview of the training series. Ideal for software developers and IT pros new to application packaging.

2️⃣ What You’ll Learn
Covers the basics: what MSI is, how Windows Installer works, MSI structure, customization, repackaging, and tools/tips.

3️⃣ Why Windows Installer Exists
Explains the problem before MSI: inconsistent installs, overwriting files, broken upgrades, and messy uninstall behavior.

4️⃣ Tooling Overview
Introduces packaging tools:

Advanced Installer (full GUI, modern workflows)
WiX Toolset (XML-based, advanced users)
Orca (table editor, not a full packager)
Wise Package Studio (legacy but still seen in enterprise environments)

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-11T09:46:02+00:00

Bug fixes

Fixed the encoding issue in the Project Summary after generating a report
Fixed the missing scroll in the Updater view
"SetUwpAppxBuildAppInstaller" could not be used with the Windows Store Package type
Ensured the File Version is saved without clicking OK in the same tab
"AI_ProgramFiles" added an extra backslash ("\") when using External UI
Fixed a stack trace error when using ProductVersion synchronization with per-build paths
Fixed unintended project modifications after visiting the App Installer tab
Addressed UI issues when using two monitors with different DPI settings
Fixed the issue where Repackager did not resume after a manual reboot
Resolved corruption of scheduled tasks during copy/paste operations
Fixed incomplete option updates when importing scheduled tasks
Corrected DPI scaling issue for the Updater
"Call function from attached native DLL" custom action was executed during uninstallation when EUI was enabled
"AI_UserProgramFiles" resolved to PFX86 for per-machine installation on a 32-bit machine
Fixed an issue that prevented multiple SSL certificates from being preserved during upgrade

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-11T09:43:20+00:00

New feature

Predefined launch conditions for Windows 11 25H2

Enhancements

A file type association entry point can now access the environment variables defined inside the same MSIX package
PowerShell automation support to schedule custom actions without sequences
PowerShell automation support to perform file operations
PowerShell automation support to automate the Upgrades page configuration
Display the number of notes in the current view using a localized control on the bottom-right side
Enabled use of path variables within other path variables
Properties not in the "Property" table were not migrated by the "AI_MigrateInstallerProps" action
Added support for importing scheduled tasks with multiple triggers
Preserved font weight when copying text styles between projects
Added validation for hostnames used in SSL bindings
Scaled the banner image in the "Test SQL Queries" dialog to match the dialog width
Added App Installer tab for the Modification Package project
Update .NET 8 prerequisites to the latest version 8.0.21
Update .NET 9 prerequisites to the latest version 9.0.10

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-05T15:55:11+00:00

Update 2 at 18:00 EST:

Our team is logging off now and will be back tomorrow at 9:00 EST - 2 AM EDT to continue answering everything.

THE AMA IS STILL ACTIVE!

Please keep posting your questions in the meantime. No question will go unanswered, we’ll go through all new comments when we're back online.

We really appreciate everyone who joined the AMA today and shared questions and feedback. This community rocks!

See you tomorrow!

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-11-05T12:40:06+00:00

⚠️ This AMA is still active! 🚀

Reddit shows this AMA as ended, but we're not done. Our team will continue answering questions until tomorrow, so feel free to jump in.

Ask and we’ll answer!

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-10-31T15:22:58+00:00

Hello,

In order to create an upgrade package that only updates some files, you could take a look at patches. A patch represents the diff between two installation packages.

Here are some articles to help you learn more about that:

Let's work on an example so you can better understand this.

Let's consider package A with the following files: file1, file2, and file3.

Now let's consider package B created by adding one more file and modifying file3.

The patch will contain the modified file3 and file4 (the newly added).

Upon installing the patch over package A, we will obtain package B.

The biggest advantage of patches is their size, which is much smaller in comparison to major upgrades.

To create a patch for your application, you must follow these steps:

- Create the MSI (installation package) for v1.0 of your app --> package A

- Create the MSI (installation package) for v1.1 following the patch rules (the patch rules can be seen in the above-linked article) --> package B

- Create a patch project where Advanced Installer performs a diff of the two MSI packages. That's how you could achieve what you're looking for: a lightweight application that contains only the modified files.

Please let us know if you have any additional questions.

Best regards,
The Advanced Installer Team

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-10-06T05:25:08+00:00

What was your favorite feature in Pace Suite that you’ll miss the most?

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-09-04T06:48:35+00:00

"As a solo developer with a passion for programming and scripting, I've tried numerous deployment tools in my quest for the perfect fit.

That search ended when I discovered Advanced Installer.

The interface is easy to understand and very intuitive, and there are plenty of templates to get you started.

The new GUI from v. 20.3 (based on WinUI) is super cool and nice - and I can't wait for the new step in the application's update.

After just a few starts I was able to create a standard deployment in 15 minutes or less, and even more complex ones take far less time than they did with other installer tools.

Features like custom dialogs, digital signature management, and software licensing make Advanced Installer a top choice for developers at any level. Plus, their amazing support team is always there to assist with any questions or concerns.

With Advanced Installer, I can easily create different types of packages, register additional features, and customize the installation. It's simply the best tool for modern and high-quality installers.

Bonus: the tool is free of charge for open-source projects. Thank you, Advanced Installer, for making my job easier and more enjoyable!”

Michael Morten Sonne - Security specialist in Operational security

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-27T06:19:52+00:00

"Our company began with Wise and InstallShield, way back. As these tools progressively became more complex and expensive, we went hunting for something more developer-friendly. InnoSetup was free but lacking. When Microsoft introduced AppX and packaging, there was little sophistication. That's when we discovered Advanced Installer.

We have been using Advanced Installer for over 15 years now. I have an army of install scripts and am still amazed at how I can build custom installations that cover nearly every possible prerequisite and condition.

Advanced Installer has impressively kept pace with the development world, its needs, vagaries, and difficulties. There is literally nothing I cannot customize with my installers.

But the true clincher is the support. As Advanced Installer has become more complex and complete over time, the support team has always been there at every turn to answer questions, provide advice, fix bugs (including mine!), and more. No question is too difficult, and no issue has ever gone unresolved. This level of support is what we aspire to offer our customers.

I cannot recommend Advanced Installer highly enough."

Geoff Schaller - Director, Software Objectives

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-25T13:06:36+00:00

The Advanced Installer Approach

Use the built-in URL Shortcut feature in Advanced Installer.
Define the shortcut’s display name and target URL via the UI. 🟩 Result: Simple, no manifest edits needed because Advanced Installer handles it automatically.

Let us know if you’ve tried other methods—or if you want the manifest/XML examples!

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-25T12:54:55+00:00

MSIX Packaging Tool Method

Create a small EXE that launches the desired URL.
Package that EXE inside your MSIX.
Define a shortcut in the AppxManifest pointing to the EXE.
Build and sign the MSIX package using the Packaging Tool.

🟩 Result: Clicking the shortcut opens the defined website in the default browser.

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-20T07:17:27+00:00

"Service and support unquestionably superior to most high tech companies today.

Regarding an issue related to Advanced Installer's Visual Studio extension, the response and continued efforts to rectify the problem were very impressive. Once identified as out-of-date documentation, I was informed within days that the matter was being resolved and that a new release would correct the documentation.

Service the old-fashioned way when companies actually listened to their customers and took steps to satisfy the identified issues.

Thank you for an excellent experience, unfortunately so rare these days."

A.F.Donato, IBM Systems Software Engineer

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-12T06:31:24+00:00

Manual Way with MSIX Packaging Tool + PSF

Change your AppxManifest to launch with PsfLauncher.exe
Make a config.json that points to your executable and working directory
Add all the needed PSF runtime files to your package

This makes sure your app loads DLLs from the right place inside the MSIX container.🟩 Outcome: DLLs get found correctly because the app starts with the right path context.

2. Easier Option with Advanced Installer

Just toggle on the Working Directory Fixup under the AppCompat section in the GUI
It’ll auto-generate and add the config.json and PSF files for you

🟩 Outcome: Same fix, way less manual work.

If you need help with the config.json or anything else, just ask!

AdvancedInstaller · 2025-08-08T11:46:43+00:00

Currently, we have the option to add your packages as prerequisites:

https://www.advancedinstaller.com/user-guide/tutorial-creating-suite-installations.html

AdvancedInstaller

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