CreateInstall

What CreateInstall is

CreateInstall is Windows software for building application installers and self-extracting archives. It lets users define installation work as command sequences, control installation and removal, tailor dialog boxes, and add resources. The included Gentee programming language supports installation scripts and custom actions, while CreateInstall Assistant gives users a simpler way to assemble installations. Packages can use either of two compression algorithms, including different algorithms for different file groups in the same package.

CreateInstall offers Freeware, Light, and Full editions. Freeware costs nothing and can be installed and used without limits, but some commands are unavailable and its dialog boxes show CreateInstall branding. Light costs $59, paid once, and Full costs $119, paid once; both are lifetime licenses with 12 months of updates and support. Light lacks some commands available in Full, while Full includes all commands and has no cap on installer creation. Light and Full are also available as 30-day trials with all program features. Licensed installers can be distributed without additional royalties. CreateInstall supports scheduled deployments and lists Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10 as system requirements and target operating systems.

Who it suits

CreateInstall suits Windows developers who need to package applications, script installation actions, and control install or uninstall steps. Freeware can serve users who can work around unavailable commands and branded dialogs; Light and Full address different command needs.

Limits

Freeware has some unavailable commands and displays CreateInstall branding in its dialog boxes. Light lacks some commands available in Full. Light and Full trials last 30 days; purchased licenses include 12 months of updates and support, after which yearly renewal costs 50% of the initial price.

Getting started

1. Open https://www.createinstall.com/.
2. Choose Freeware, Light, or Full according to the commands you need.
3. Install CreateInstall on a supported Windows system.
4. Use CreateInstall Assistant for a simpler installation-building interface, or define steps as command sequences.
5. Try Light or Full for 30 days with access to all program features.

Verdict

Choose CreateInstall if you need Windows installer creation with command-based steps, script support, and control over installation details. Freeware has command and branding restrictions, while Light costs less than Full but does not include every command.