Appx vs MSI

Developers should learn and use Appx when building modern Windows applications, especially for distribution via the Microsoft Store, as it streamlines deployment and ensures compatibility across Windows devices meets developers should learn msi when creating windows desktop applications that require professional installation processes, especially for enterprise or commercial software distribution. Here's our take.

Appx

Nice Pick

Developers should learn and use Appx when building modern Windows applications, especially for distribution via the Microsoft Store, as it streamlines deployment and ensures compatibility across Windows devices

Pros

• It is particularly valuable for creating Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, enterprise applications requiring secure deployment, or any software aiming for easy installation and maintenance on Windows 10/11 systems
• Related to: universal-windows-platform, windows-sdk

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

MSI

Developers should learn MSI when creating Windows desktop applications that require professional installation processes, especially for enterprise or commercial software distribution

Pros

• It is essential for ensuring clean installations, handling dependencies, supporting silent/unattended deployments, and enabling features like rollback and repair
• Related to: windows-deployment, wix-toolset

Cons

• Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

These tools serve different purposes. Appx is a platform while MSI is a tool. We picked Appx based on overall popularity, but your choice depends on what you're building.

The Bottom Line

Appx wins

Based on overall popularity. Appx is more widely used, but MSI excels in its own space.