MSI File Extension
Windows Installer Package
- File Type msi
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Windows Installer
- Category Blocked Email Attachment Files, Executable Files
- Format Binary
What is a MSI file?
The MSI file extension is linked to Windows Installer Package and belongs to the categories of Blocked Email Attachment Files and Executable Files, which include 164 files.
The Windows Installer Package (MSI) was developed by Microsoft, which created file format and 242 programs to work with them.
MSI files are supported by Windows. To open a MSI file, you can choose from 4 programs such as Windows Installer, Microsoft Windows and Windows Installer XML.
MIME types
- text/mspg-legacyinfo
- application/x-ole-storage
File Signature
HEX code: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00. ASCII code: Msi.Package.
Programs that support MSI files
How to open a MSI file?
If you cannot open a MSI file, it is most often due to missing software. Select a program from the list according to your operating system. Then go to the official website of the program developer, download it, and install it on your device.
The most popular programs for working with MSI files are Windows Installer, Microsoft Windows and Windows Installer XML. To install the latest version of Windows Installer on your computer, visit the Microsoft website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
After completing the installation, MSI files should be recognized by the system and linked to Windows Installer.
Set Windows Installer as the default MSI application
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right click on your MSI file, then select "Open with" and click "Choose another application";
- From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose Windows Installer as the application to handle your MSI file;
- Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.
Change the default app that opens a file on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired MSI file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for Windows Installer. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Convert to and from MSI
Please note that after converting a MSI file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Converting Files to MSI Format
Troubleshooting guide for MSI file complications
While MSI files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
How do I know if my MSI file is corrupted?
Corrupted MSI blocked email attachment files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Opening the file results in an error or a failed attempt;
- Poor performance when editing a file in Windows Installer;
- Opening the file in Windows Installer or other programs causes them to hang or crash;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the MSI file;
- Error messages appear while working with the file;
Why does Windows Installer crash?
The likely cause of Windows Installer crashing is lack of software updates. Install the latest updates available for Microsoft products.
Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.
How to repair a corrupted MSI file?
Open the corrupted MSI file in a recovery program and select the "Repair" menu item. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged blocked email attachment files.
How to edit a MSI file?
To edit MSI files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify blocked email attachment files. Online MSI editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Windows Installer Package.
List of Top MSI editors 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of MSI editors currently available.
| MSI Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Windows Installer | Microsoft | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (33 reviews) |
| Windows Installer XML | Microsoft | Windows | 4.7 out of 5 (39 reviews) |