WiX Toolset

What WiX Toolset is

WiX Toolset is a free, open-source toolkit for building installers for Windows Installer, the Windows installation engine. Its build tools produce MSI installation packages, MSP patches, MSM merge modules, and EXE setup bundles. Projects are described in XML files that developers can edit in text editors and keep in source control. Command-line tools can fit into automated build systems, with MSBuild support through the command line, Visual Studio, and CI/CD systems such as GitHub Actions. Extensions can handle tasks such as installing IIS websites, creating SQL Server databases, and registering Windows Firewall exceptions. Burn can install prerequisites with a product, download packages, or combine them into a single EXE. Packages generally work on Windows 7 and later. A .NET SDK is needed when using WiX as a .NET tool or with dotnet build; using it as an MSBuild SDK through msbuild requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. Consumer security updates cover the current and previous major versions, with previous-version support ending up to 10 months after the current release. Organizations above $10,000 in annual revenue must satisfy the Open Source Maintenance Fee.

Who it suits

WiX Toolset suits developers building Windows installers who want command-line packaging and build-system integration. It is also relevant to organizations that need installer extensions or prerequisite bundling, and that can meet the maintenance fee terms if their annual revenue exceeds $10,000.

Limits

The source code plan is free, but organizations generating more than $10,000 in annual revenue, as defined by OSMF terms, must satisfy the Open Source Maintenance Fee. .NET tool and dotnet build use require a .NET SDK; the MSBuild SDK route through msbuild requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.

Getting started

1. Visit the WiX Toolset website.
2. Choose a build route: .NET tool or dotnet build requires a .NET SDK; msbuild requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
3. Create installer project definitions as XML text files.
4. Use the command-line tools with an automated build system or MSBuild.
5. Review the source-code plan and Open Source Maintenance Fee terms for your organization.

Verdict

WiX Toolset provides several Windows installer formats, build integrations, and extension options at no source-code price. Check the applicable .NET requirements and maintenance fee terms before adopting it.