What is the Difference Between msi and exe

The main difference between msi and exe is that the msi files are used for windows installers but, the exe files can be used to install as well as to run application programs. msi is the file extension of MSI file that is a compressed package of installer files, and all information required for installing, changing, storing and removing a particular software. The exe is the file extension of an executable file that contains lines of instructions or code that can directly be executed by an operating system such as windows. 

There are various types of files in a computer with different functionalities. msi and exe are two file extensions. msi file extension is used for a windows installer. It is a package with all files to install, change, and remove a software. It mainly refers to Microsoft installers. On the other hand, exe is a file extension for an executable file. It is a file that runs a set of instructions when executing it. In other words, it is a program that runs.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is msi
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is exe
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between msi and exe
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

exe, File Extensions, msi

What is msi

The msi is the file extension of MSI files. They are Windows installers. An MSI file is a compressed package of installer files. It consists of all the information pertaining to adding, modifying, storing or removing the respective software.  MSI file includes data, instructions, processes, and add-ons that are necessary for the application to work normally.

Figure 1: An Issue in Windows Installer

Software developers choose MSI over EXE to create the installer for their application because they are easier to create. Moreover, they also reduce time and coding efforts.

What is exe

The exe is a file extension of an executable file. An executable file executes a set of instructions or a code when opening it. An executable file is compiled from source code to binary code. It can be directly executed by the Windows OS. These files are understandable by the machine, and it can be directly executed by the operating system. As the executable files run some kind of code when it is opened, the users should be aware of it when opening the executable files received via emails. Simply, an executable file with exe extension is a program that runs.

What is the Difference Between msi and exe

Definition

msi is a file extension of windows installer which is a software component of Microsoft Windows used for the installation, maintenance, and removal of software. Whereas, exe is a file extension of an executable file that performs indicated tasks according to the encoded instructions. 

Usage

The main difference between msi and exe is their usage. The msi files are used for windows installers. The exe files can be used to install as well as to run application programs.

Conclusion

msi is the file extension of MSI file that is a compressed package of installer files, containing all information required for adding, changing, storing and removing a particular software. exe is the file extension of an executable file that contains lines of instructions or code that can directly be executed by the Operating system such as windows. That is the difference between msi and exe.

Reference:

1. “Windows Installer.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Sept. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “UserAndyJones iTunesInstallerError” (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia