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Revenera InstallShield Windows Installer
Building reliable Windows installers is essential but often challenging. From adapting to industry standards to ensuring smooth user experiences, the process can be time-consuming. InstallShield simplifies it all.
Revenera InstallShield (formerly Flexera InstallShield) is the fastest, easiest way to build Windows installers and MSIX packages. With seamless Microsoft Visual Studio integration and streamlined workflows, it reduces extra coding and rework. The result? Faster launches, higher productivity, and clean, hassle-free installations that leave a great first impression.
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WHAT INSTALLSHIELD CAN DO
- Build clean installs, upgrades and uninstalls for Windows incredibly quickly and easily.
- Easily create native MSI and MSIX or convert any MSI file into an MSIX package.
- Create installations directly within Microsoft Visual Studio for MSI, MSIX and EXE installers.
- Install Web Applications to Microsoft® Azure™ and Microsoft IIS using Microsoft Web Deploy.
- Automatically Provision Virtual Machines for Simple Installation Testing.
- Enable digital signing through built-in tools and seamless integration with third-party solutions.
- Enable to automate development and build processes silently through the automation interface or Standalone command-line utility.
- Provide InstallShield Prerequisite Editor to add or modify the prerequisites.
- Bundle multiple products for Windows, MSIX and more using InstallShield Suite Projects.
- Provide an intuitive designer with versatile views for configuring key features.
- CI/CD integration made easier through Cloud License Server.
TESTIMONIAL
InstallShield gives us the tools we need to build our installations today, and we know it will continue to innovate to meet our installation needs down the road.
Hear from NetApp
NetApp are able to build software installations 70% faster since they made the switch to InstallShield.
Hear what they have to say >>>
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WHAT’S NEW IN INSTALLSHIELD?
- Support for Windows Server 2025
- Full ARM Support
- Support for Azure Key Vault Signing
- Support for .NET Core
- App Updates
- Install Windows Package Manager Apps
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Support for Windows Server 2025
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ARM Support for InstallScript Setups on Windows 11
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Support for Azure Key Vault Signing using Custom Signing
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Support for .NET Core in Custom Actions
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App Updates
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Install Windows Package Manager Apps from Suite
Compare available plans and packages
Depending on your development team’s workflow and your product’s technology requirements, the ideal installer solution can vary. Revenera provides a range of flexible options to meet your needs—from single-user node-locked licenses with InstallShield® and InstallShield® Premier to the scalable, multiuser Cloud License Server, which adapts to evolving team structures and deployment demands.
InstallShield® Professional
A powerful yet easy-to-use solution, ideal for both novice and seasoned installation developers.
$1,574.33/year ($4,723 Total)
(3 Year Subscription)
Node-Locked
- Build MSI, EXE, APPX and MSIX installers
- Build 64 bit Installers
- Support for .NET Framework 4.5 (32-bit and 64-bit)
- Standalone Command-Line Build
- Microsoft Visual Studio Integration
- Create Windows Installer Patches (MSP)
- Advanced UI Editor
- Automated Patch Design
- DLL, EXE, VBScript, and Jscript, PowerShell and managed code Custom Actions
- Deploy Databases to Microsoft SQL Server/Oracle/MySQL/Azure SQL Databases
- Prerequisite Editor
InstallShield® Premier
The most powerful, capable, and widely used solution among installation developers worldwide.
$2,598.33/year ($7,795 Total)
(3 Year Subscription)
Node-Locked
- Everything in InstallShield
- Multi language Installations
- Create Advanced Bootstrappers with Suite Installations
- Extend Suite/Advanced UI Projects with C# and InstallScript Actions
- Enable Windows Roles and Features During Your Installation
- Provision Virtual Machines from the InstallShield IDE for Testing Installations
- Automate Events at Build Time
- Multi-Tier Installation Template
- Install Web Applications to Microsoft® Azure™ and Microsoft® IIS using Microsoft Web Deploy
InstallShield® Premier — Local License Server
Share licenses among team members for increased flexibility.
Custom Pricing
(3 Year Subscription)
Concurrent License
- Use InstallShield’s Standalone Build (SAB) to build on local license servers
- Access to previous versions of InstallShield
- Instances are hosted in your own data centers.
- Supports build machines that have random (or dynamically generated) mac addresses.
- 99 SAB licenses with each LLS license
InstallShield® Premier — Cloud License Server
Easily build your software installers in your DevOps pipeline itself.
Custom Pricing
(3 Year Subscription)
Concurrent License
- Works on any cloud environment — Azure DevOps/AWS/GCP.
- Use InstallShield’s Standalone Build (SAB) to build on dynamically created VMs in the cloud, specifically, hosted agents in Azure DevOps.
- CLS instances are hosted in Revenera data centers. No maintenance needed from you.
- Supports build machines that have random (or dynamically generated) mac addresses.
- 99 SAB licenses with each CLS license
From the Blog
Resources
The powerful solution for Windows Installer deployment and MSI authoring now offers patching features for easy Internet update creation!
InstallShield for Windows Installer is the comprehensive solution for developers creating setups for the new Windows Installer service of Windows 2000.
And now, developers can create patches containing file-level or byte-level differences between versions, allowing for smaller downloads and easy Internet distribution.
InstallShield for Windows Installer allows you to meet installation requirements for the Windows 2000 logo and take advantage of the Windows Installer service’s TCO-reducing features.
And only the InstallShield solution offers customization power by supporting scripting with industry-standard InstallScript™ and allowing merge module authoring, editing, and use for third-party
technology support.
When you need a sophisticated Windows Installer-based installation, the solution is InstallShield for Windows Installer.
InstallShield – это компьютерная Windows утилита, предоставляющая возможность создания установочных пакетов, а также инсталляторов. Имеется функционал для контроля программ на серверных и клиентских платформах. В наличии поддержка работы с файлами формата MSI.
Интерфейс
Пользователь может настраивать интерфейс компьютерной программы под личные предпочтения. Имеется возможность менять цветовое оформление, шрифтовую гарнитуру, величину текста и многое другое. Также программа позволяет добавить в интерфейс логотип собственной компании и включить либо отключить всплывающие подсказки. При желании пользователь может перейти на более раннюю версию утилиты.
Доступные возможности
Данная программа была разработана для возможности создавать установщики. Первым делом человеку нужно включить утилиту, после чего начать новый проект. Затем программа попросит указать тип установщика. В их числе: MSIX, DIM, Merge Module и так далее. Когда юзер сделает выбор, перед ним появится редактор. В нём можно детально настроить инсталлятор и добавить все нужные файлы. Если пользователь впервые создаёт установочный пакет, то он может включить советы от разработчиков. Благодаря этому можно за один день научиться всем возможностям компьютерной программы.
Дополнительно
Через встроенный редактор юзер может настроить множество параметров. В том числе есть возможность определить права доступа к различным файлам пакета и записям в системном реестре. С помощью программы пользователь может создать инсталлятор, в котором можно выбирать используемый язык при установке софта. Также можно активировать опцию автоматической загрузки новых версий.
Особенности
- Бесплатный доступ к демонстрационной версии программы;
- Настраиваемый интерфейс;
- Множество инструментов для разработки инсталляторов и установочных пакетов;
- Корректная работа на современных версиях операционной системы.
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Developed by Revenera (previously Flexera), InstallShield is a tool aimed at software companies and individual software developers. The main purpose of this Windows Application is to aid in the creation of installers or software packages for Windows Desktop and Windows Server Platforms. It is one of the most popular tools of its kind, having over 50 thousand users.
InstallShield provides multiple advanced features to ensure users don’t need to use additional tools to fully complete their projects. It comes with bundle app packages, MSI installers, EXE setups, Web Deploy packages, and more.
The 2020 version of the software comes in 3 editions: Express, Professional, and Premier. Most of the features discussed below are available in each edition (at least to some degree) unless mentioned otherwise.
Installshield system requirements
Your computer needs to meet the following minimum requirements to run InstallShield 2020:
- Processor: Pentium III-class PC (500 MHz or higher recommended)
- RAM: Pentium III-class PC (500 MHz or higher recommended)
- Hard Disk: 500 MB free space
- Display: Pentium III-class PC (500 MHz or higher recommended)
- OS: Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 8.1, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 10, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019
Our Review
- Pros
- Comprehensive, meets most project requirements
- Many options for Windows OS
- Offers extremely in-depth tutorials for all features
- Online Troubleshooting instructions with step-by-step solutions
- Integrated Help tab in the GUI
- Active & Supportive User Community Online Forum
- Cons
- Not very beginner friendly
- Delays in Email Customer Support
- Pricey compared to other similar tools
Build and then polish your projects with the Project Assistant and Installation Designer
The project Assistant automatically opens when you create a new installation or transform. It’s visual by nature and it guides the user along the way. With the project Assistant, you can either view your project data in a detailed manner or a simplified one. You can switch back and forth between visualization modes without losing any data.
Once you created the foundation of your project, you can use the integrated Installation Designer which shows all the available options that you can add to your project. It is more of a polishing tool which helps you focus on the details.
The Project Assistant and Installation Designer can run simultaneously and you can easily switch between them. Once you make a change in one mode, it will automatically show in the other.
Comprehensive MSIX package builder & editor
MSIX is a Windows App package format. It’s becoming the standard format since it preserves the functionality of existing app packages and/or install files while delivering a modern-looking end result with new deployment features.
Installshield offers tools that contribute to an easier creation of MSIX packages. It also provides support for error-free migrations of already existing MSIX projects. With the latest version, you can create bundles with the integrated Bundle Utility. You can also create fonts within your MSIX packages, which can then be used in other Windows applications.
Creating an MSIX project with InstallShield is easy, due to the intuitive UI. You just have to follow the steps below:
- Click the New icon
- A dialog box with various project options will open. Select MSIX and type your project’s name, then select the location where you want it to be saved on your computer, then click Ok.
- Now you’ll have to create an application. Click on the Applications option in the left panel, then right-click Applications in the newly displayed prompt, followed by New Application.
- Select the file you need.
- Name your file
- To build the project, press Build in the toolbar and wait for the process to complete.
- Once completed, click on Run in the toolbar. An installation prompt will appear. Click the Install button. Once the installation is complete, your MSIX project is complete.
Build and manage Windows Installer (MSI) Installations with InstallScript
InstallShield provides an extensive set of solutions meant to assist the creation of Windows Installer installations. It supports SQL databases, XML editing, and more. The premier and Professional editions offer enhanced options for the IIS view.
The software allows the use of InstallScript, a powerful script language specifically created for installation projects. It is similar to C language in the fact that it has a defined format and regulated syntax. You can also use it to create custom functions. It is, however, limited and doesn’t exceed the development of installers (which it does not need to).
Installshield is a visual tool that allows mapped MSI table relationships. Users can easily see the way any change impacts their project and can go back and forth through changes until satisfied. Not only does this option save time, but it also can reduce possible errors that occur while editing manually.
Another useful option is the Customization of Windows 10 tiles. InstallShield allows you to make your own file tiles for the Windows Start menu. This can be a powerful tool that contributes to the overall improvement of your brand as a developer.
Make your product accessible with multilingual support
The development tools of InstallShield can be used in English and Japanese. However, you can localize your end project by adding one of the 35 different language strings provided by the software. You can also add your own language strings for languages that are not covered yet.
Microsoft® Azure™ and Microsoft IIS extensions
Installshield can connect to a Microsoft Windows Azure Database and allow users to build projects in an Azure DevOps pipeline.
The software also enables Internet Information Services view for the creation and management of new IIS websites, applications, directories, application pools, or web service extensions.
Improve Testing & save time with Automatic Provision Virtual Machines
Yet another time-saving feature is provided by InstallShield in the testing department. The software can eliminate some of the manual testing steps by automatically copying your installation to the VM (virtual machine) to make it available for testing.
Other features
InstallShield is a very complex tool with a large number of features. The most notable ones are presented above. However, the list is not exhaustive, as the software does offer many more. Here’s a concise overview of other worth-mentioning InstallShield attributes:
- Pure 64 Installers
- Microsoft Visual Studio Integration
- Windows Installer Dialog Editor
- Support for HTML Controls
- DLL, EXE, VBScript, and JScript Custom Actions
- Unicode Support in most views
- Identifies which existing projects need updates to meet the Microsoft MSIX standards
- Prerequisite Editor
- Reusable Project Templates
- Projects can be saved in XML formats
- Detailed Build Reports
- Docker Container for simplified builds
Full Specifications
- Software Version
- 2020 R3 SP1
- License
- Paid, Free Demo
- Release Notes
- •MSIX Modification Packages: Build MSIX modification packages from InstallShield for any MSIX package
•Pure 64 bit Launchers: Build pure 64 bit launchers for Basic MSI and Suite installers
•Support for AWS CloudHSM-based Digital Signing: Digitally sign your installers for build environments setup in AWS using CloudHSM certificates
•MSIX – Support for MSIX Core: Create a single suite installer targeting MSIX for both Windows 10 and Windows 7
•MSIX Bundles
•MSIX – Support for Services
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
InstallShield is a powerful and flexible development tool use to create application software installation packages. The installer is highly customizable, supporting custom actions based on environment and custom user prompts. It automates the installation of comment component libraries such as Data Access Objects or ODBC. It supports project integration with many development environments such as Microsoft Visual C++, Visual Basic, Borland C++, and Delphi.
Over its history it had support for many different platforms, including Windows 3.1, Win32s, Windows 9x, Windows NT i386, Alpha, PPC, and MIPS, self extractors «for the web», and later even IBM AIX and Linux.
As Microsoft integrated its own «Microsoft Installer» in to Windows, InstallShiled adapted to produce «.msi» installer files.
It was available in two flavors — The Professional version that resembles the Visual Studio IDE, and an «Express» version. Limited version of InstallShield were bundled with some development environments.