Squirrel.Windows

What Squirrel.Windows is

Squirrel.Windows is a free, MIT-licensed framework for installing and updating Windows desktop applications. It works with C# and other languages, including native C++ programs, and uses NuGet packages to build installation and update packages. Output formats include Setup.exe, Setup.msi, full and delta .nupkg files, and RELEASES files. Delta packages can reduce update sizes, while separate channels can support Dev, Beta, and Release versions. Documentation covers distribution through Microsoft IIS, Amazon S3, and GitHub. The project describes wizard-free installation to a local user account without UAC dialogs or reboots, plus updates that can apply while an app is running. Developers can control custom installation and update actions, add code signing, and integrate UpdateManager into a C# Windows Forms application. Command-line packaging, silent installation, automatic updates, and CI/CD integration are supported.

Who it suits

It suits developers distributing Windows desktop software who need packaging, installation, and update workflows. Its scope is limited to Windows applications.

Limits

The project targets Windows desktop apps. The listed plan is free and open source under the MIT license.

Getting started

1. Open the project at https://github.com/Squirrel/Squirrel.Windows.
2. Review the getting-started guide for integrating Squirrel.Windows and UpdateManager into a C# Windows Forms app.
3. Package the application with NuGet.
4. Choose the documented package outputs and distribution route that fit your workflow.
5. Configure update channels or custom installation and update actions as needed.
6. Review the code-signing documentation for Setup.exe and the application.

Verdict

Squirrel.Windows covers packaging and updating for Windows desktop applications with several output formats and distribution options. It is most relevant when Windows-only delivery and developer-controlled update behavior are priorities.