Supplemental Reading for Windows
Software Packages
Windows Software Packages
Developers have different ways to package software using software compiling tools. In Windows,
software is usually packaged as a .exe (executable file). Windows software can be sourced from the
Microsoft Store or downloaded directly and installed in several ways. This reading covers the most
common methods software packages are installed on Windows OS.
Installation Package
Installation packages contain all the information the Windows Installer needs to install software on a
computer. The packages include a .msi file (Microsoft install file) which contains an installation
database, summary information, and data streams for each part of the installation. The .msi file may
also include internal source files and external source files needed for the installation. Windows
Installer uses the information contained in the .msi file to install, maintain, and remove programs on
Windows.
Portable Executable
These .msi files are contained within a portable executable (PE), which is a format specific to
Windows. The file type extension for a PE is .exe. Although these PEs commonly include
instructions for the computer to run, such as the .msi files, they may also have images that the
program may run or computer code.
Self-extracting Executable
While it is common to install software using the Windows Installer, it is helpful for you to know how to
install software using the command line.
Self-extractor packages are executable files (.exe) that are run in the Windows interface by clicking
on them or running from the command line. Software installed by an IT professional onto an end
user’s computer will likely use this format. Software installation package, update package, or hotfix
package created with the Microsoft Self-Extractor, can be executed using the following command
lines:
/extract:[path]: Extracts the content of the package to the path folder. If a path isn’t specified,
then a Browse dialog box appears.
/log:[path to log file]: Enables verbose logging (more detailed information recorded in the log
file) for the update installation.
/lang:lcid: Sets the user interface to the specified locale when multiple locales are available in the
package.
/quiet: Runs the package in silent mode.
/passive: Runs the update without any interaction from the user.
/norestart: Prevents prompting of the user when a restart of the computer is needed.
/forcerestart: Forces a restart of the computer as soon as the update is finished.
You can always type /?, /h, or /help from the command line to view these options.
App Packager
The app packager used in the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) and Microsoft Visual
Studio includes a program called [Link]. [Link] is a tool that creates an app
package from files on disk or extracts the files from an app package to disk. For Windows 8.1 and
higher, this program can also create and extract app package bundles. This tool is primarily used by
software developers.
Microsoft Store
The Microsoft Store, included in the Windows OS, is the primary source for apps, games, and videos
in Windows. The Microsoft Store only contains apps and programs certified for compatibility and
curated for content. Software installed through the Microsoft store is automatically updated by
default. Some organizations may disable the Microsoft store on user computers to limit users’ ability
to install new applications without authorization.
While the Microsoft Store is a convenient and popular way to get programs on Windows, some
software can also be downloaded directly from developers.
Key takeaways
Windows has many different ways to distribute, install, uninstall, and update programs and code on
a computer. Depending on the organization, IT might use any of these installation options regularly.
Installation packages contain all the information the Windows Installer needs to install software on a
computer.
While it is common to install software using the Windows Installer, it is helpful for you to know how to
install software using the command line.
The Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) and Microsoft Visual Studio include a program called
[Link]. [Link] is a tool that creates an app package from files on disk or extracts
the files from an app package to disk.
Microsoft Store is a digital distribution storefront for apps, games, and other media.
