We explain the difference between MSI and EXE with table. Computers generally come with a multitude of applications and software pre-installed, but it is undeniable that it is unusual for a computer not to install new software tools. As a result, the procedure for installing additional software on your Windows device may include purchasing an installer, either by downloading the free ones or by purchasing one on the web.
The installers come in two single files that must be opened to begin the installation. One file has an MSI extension and the other has an EXE extension. Computer users all over the world generally encounter these common extensions from time to time while updating or installing PC stuff or other systemic changes and often confuse .msi and .exe to be the same as both files run the same function of installing a software program. on your computer. However, they both have different methods of doing it.
the difference between MSI and EXE is that MSI is a database installation consists of a collection of installation files and all data necessary to install, update, modify or get rid of some software on your computer, while EXE files can be used to install and run application software and it also has the added benefit of allowing users the freedom to interact with the installer.
Comparison table between MSI and EXE (in tabular form)
MSI EXE comparison parameter
| Sense | MSI refers to a database file that helps to store data or information about the files to be installed. | EXE helps to access files that are already available on electronic devices. |
| Basic use | MSI is used for software development. | EXE can be used for almost anything and is not limited to software development. |
| Interfaces | MSI files are considered to have a standard and predefined user interface and are easy to work with. | EXE files have different interfaces depending on the type of hardware or the application. |
| Accompany in the installation | The MSI file is said to accompany an on-demand install feature so that the remaining part of the install can be done after the software starts. | The EXE file does not have this function, as it must have access to all the files in the database. |
| The choice of languages | MSI files do not provide the language that the user chooses for installation, although this feature is built into the MSI software. | An EXE file helps the user to choose a language for installation. |
What is MSI?
MSI stands for Microsoft Silent Installer. MSI are database files that are the most recommended type of installation by Windows installers. They are considered to be easy to manage and create. MSI files contain data about an application characterized by its components and characteristics. These functions and components consist of shortcuts, files, and so on.
Also, MSI is said to have information about the data interface and is said to contain the actual data / files that need to be installed. The most important part of MSI files is that they are executed with the help of MSIEXEC.EXE. MSI files are said to be the future of application packaging and Microsoft often suggests that software developers convert the EXE file to MSI files.
MSI files that are created with different tools have a similar management system. MSI installers are said to have a predefined interface and are mostly considered useful for people who are new to or have limited knowledge of the subject. All MSI files look and feel the same.
One of the best aspects of MSI files is application installations. MSI helps the application configure very fast. When MSI assists in installation, only minor items are placed on the computer and the actual installation begins only when the user tries to run the program.
What is EXE?
EXE stands for executable file format. EXE acts as an installer and mainly searches for files during installation, either on the web or on the computer. Windows installers are considered new to the computer world, and therefore MSI files come with an EXE installer that is similar to setup.exe. An EXE does not have the database of files.
The EXE files mainly look for an MSI file in order to install the program. EXE was considered to be the original installer during the earlier times. An application must have at least one EXE file to start the application. An EXE file gives the user the freedom to interact with the installer. This can be seen in the latest generation games as they use EXE as installers. Therefore, EXE files are flexible GUIs. EXE files contain a large amount of malicious software that, in turn, can be harmful.
EXE are also said to be interactive interfaces that keep the user busy until the installation is complete. EXE files are said to be bootstrappers as they set everything in sequence and do not form an installation. EXE file types are said to be easily adapted, while it is difficult for MSI installers to perform such challenging tasks. EXE doesn’t just deal with software installation.
Main differences between MSI and EXE
- MSI stands for Microsoft Silent Installer and is a database file specifically designed for Microsoft installers. EXE stands for executable file format and helps to receive or open files on the user’s device or it would have discovered the need to download them from sources.
- The most important use of MSI files is to aid in software development or installation. The most important use of the EXE file is not just limited to software development, as they can do practically anything.
- MSI files are said to have a predefined user interface that the user can work with easily and that they can be used even by non-technical people. EXE files do not have a defined interface, but they have many interfaces depending on the software.
- An MSI file comes with an installation component so that installation can be done when the software starts. An EXE file is not said to have this feature on installation as the EXE file does not have any access to the database on your PC or web.
- Although the language feature is built into the MSI file, it does not provide the user’s choice of language. The choice of languages in the installation in the EXE file helps users to perform the task in a less complex way.
Final Thought
MSI and EXE files are the two commonly used file extensions in Windows and often confuse computer users when it comes to detecting the difference in the meanings of the two.
To create a software installer on your computer, the decision to choose between MSI and EXE is based solely on the program in question and how much hard work you want to put into the installer. MSI reduces labor by complying with current standards, while EXE assigns maximum control to the user at the cost of additional labor in creating the software installer. For that reason, from a standardization point of view, MSI is considerably a better installation option.
MSI was created primarily by Microsoft to address non-standard software installers created by third-party software engineers. MSI tends to be a bit more powerful because they tie the standard package together. On the other hand, since EXE files are sometimes used as a medium for hostile programs, using unknown EXE files can be harmful to your computer system.
