Microsoft Windows Installer: Sets up the heart of your PC
The Microsoft Windows Installer is an OS tool that is key for adding, updating, and getting rid of software without a hitch. It is an official Windows app released by Microsoft and helps you with a very basic task.
Microsoft Windows Installer features
The Microsoft Windows Installer is more than just a basic tool; it’s packed with features designed to make software management as smooth as possible. With the latest version, Windows Installer has gotten even better, offering:
- Group Installation: This lets you install several software packages together. If one doesn’t install right, it can undo everything to avoid messing up your computer.
- Custom Interfaces: You can have a special setup screen that’s made just for your software, making it fit in perfectly.
- Adding Packages Midway: This feature lets you add more software to your installation process as you go, which is great for complex setups.
- Better Update Handling: It makes sure updates are applied correctly, even if there have been changes since the last update.
- Keeping Components Updated: This ensures that when you uninstall something, your computer still keeps the latest version of any shared parts.
- Control Over Actions During Uninstall: You can set specific actions to happen when you uninstall an update, keeping things neat and tidy.
How do I get to Windows Installer?
Getting to the Windows Installer service is straightforward. Here’s what you do:
To Start the Windows Installer Service:
- Hit Start, type CMD in the search, right-click on cmd.exe, and pick Run as Administrator.
- Type net start MSIServer in the command prompt and hit ENTER. This gets the Windows Installer service going.
- Now, you're all set to install your software.
To Check if Windows Installer Service is Running:
- Click Start, type services.msc, and click on Services in the results.
- Look for Windows Installer, right-click it, and go to Properties.
- Make sure it’s set to Manual and that it’s currently Running.
Why is C :\ Windows Installer hidden?
The C:\Windows\Installer folder is where Windows keeps important setup files. This folder is hidden on purpose to stop them from being accidentally changed or deleted. If messed with, it could cause the software to not work right anymore. This folder is basically a safety net, ensuring that your computer can fix or update software even if the original setup files are gone.
The Microsoft Windows Installer works for Windows 10 and its most current version is 4.5 XP 32 Bits. If you are unable to use the installer that comes with the program you wish to load and if you are unable to use the add/remove programs tool that comes with Windows, then the Microsoft Windows Installer may be just what you need.
