App packaging basics: MSI, MSIX and winget

Skills you'll practise

• Run msiexec with silent, logging and uninstall switches and find the failing action in a verbose log.
• Interpret common Windows Installer exit codes (0, 1603, 1618, 1641, 3010) and choose the next action.
• Explain how MSIX packages differ from MSI and what that means for repair and removal.
• Use winget to search, inspect, install and upgrade packages, and explain why a winget source isn't a company approval.

Course outline

1. 1.App packaging basics: MSI, MSIX and wingetVideo · 5 min
2. 2.MSI packages and msiexecLesson · 8 min
3. 3.Exit codes, logs and failed installsLesson · 8 min
4. 4.MSIX and wingetLesson · 8 min
5. 5.App packaging basics: MSI, MSIX and winget: knowledge checkKnowledge check · 17 questions
6. 6.App packaging basics: MSI, MSIX and winget: practical exerciseKnowledge check · 1 question
7. 7.An MSI rollout fails on some PCsScenario
8. 8.Final exam7 questions · passing it completes the course, so people who already know the material can test out

Sources it draws on

The lessons and questions are written from these references, so learners can go back to the original.

• Microsoft Learn: msiexec
• Microsoft Learn: MsiExec.exe and InstMsi.exe error messages
• Microsoft Learn: What is MSIX?
• Microsoft Learn: Use the winget tool to install and manage applications