When EXE files are used to install software, they contain all the necessary code and other resources needed to run the program, such as dynamic link libraries (DLLs). This is because EXE installers do not depend on the underlying Windows Installer infrastructure, unlike MSI installers.
Key Differences Between MSI and EXE File Formats
Although both MSI and EXE file formats are used to install software on malta telegram data Windows operating systems, they serve different purposes and needs. Below, we will look at some of the most significant differences between MSI and EXE installers.
MSI files are compatible with multiple Windows operating systems, so there is no need to create different MSI files for different versions of Windows. They can be run on Linux and macOS using special tools, but they are not commonly used in this way. EXE files are also executable files specific to Windows. However, they can be run on Linux or macOS using Wine, a free software that acts as a compatibility layer between the file and the operating system.