File Extension Database

Open MSI File

MSI format and extension files are used to install, remove and update software.

MSI installer packages its content similar to a compressed ZIP file, which allows it to be extracted with decompression software such as 7zip or WinZIP.

Therefore, MSI package file contains all the files that will be necessary to install and the information on the path in which they should be installed.

It is important to know that extracting the content is not enough to complete the installation, since when executing an MSI file, it is opened by a software called Windows Installer that, in addition to extracting the content, is in charge of performing all the installation actions. declared in it.

These actions, registered in an MSI file and executed by Windows Installer, and which are Standard Actions, range from placing each component in a specific path, writing or deleting files, writing or modifying registry entries, among others.

However, there are situations where the installer developers might need to take other actions beyond Standard Actions, and therefore MSI files are critically important.

For these cases, there are the so-called Custom Actions, which can be written with greater freedom and allow the use of executables, either using DLLs or Scripts.

As a last comment, although these features are mostly used to develop safe and legitimate software installers, they can also be used for malicious purposes.

Typical MSI application file locations:

%SystemRoot%\System32\msiexec.exe /i "%1" %*
"C:\Windows\System32\msiexec.exe" /i "%1" %*

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Msi.Package

How Can I Open MSI File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MSI file is to find a MSI file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MSI file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MSI file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MSI file opener then try to search online for "MSI viewer", "application to open MSI file" or "open MSI file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MSI file

How Can I Open MSI File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MSI file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MSI file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MSI file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MSI file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MSI file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MSI file then try to search for "MSI viewer", "application to open MSI file" or "read MSI file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MSI file

How Can I Open MSI File on Android

If you downloaded a MSI file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MSI file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MSI".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MSI viewer", "MSI file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MSI File on iPhone or iPad

To open MSI File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MSI file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MSI". This way you can find apps which can open MSI files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MSI viewer" or "MSI file" online in your favorite search engine.