WiX Toolset

Create MSI, MSM, and EXE Installers via XML

The WiX Toolset (Windows Installer XML) is an open-source collection of command‑line utilities for authoring Windows Installer packages. Developed by Rob Mensching, WiX lets you define every aspect of your installer in XML and then compile it into MSI/MSM or self‑bootstrapping EXE files.

Core Tools

• Candle: Compiles WiX XML source into object files (.wixobj)
• Light: Links object files into final MSI or MSM packages
• Dark: Decompiles existing MSI/MSM packages back into WiX XML
• Heat: Harvests file system, registry, or IIS configurations into WiX XML
• Burn: Creates bootstrapper executables that chain prerequisite installs
• Lit & Pyro: Internal utilities to support schema validation and package generation

Why Use WiX?

• Declarative XML: Full control over installer logic and UI
• Modular Builds: Reuse components and merge modules (MSM) for large projects
• Prerequisite Bundling: Burn lets you package .NET, VC++ runtimes, or custom prerequisites into one EXE
• Extensible: Custom actions, UI themes, and localization support
• CI/CD Friendly: Command‑line tools integrate seamlessly into automated build pipelines

Whether you’re deploying a small desktop utility or a complex enterprise suite, WiX Toolset delivers precise, customizable, and maintainable installer projects—entirely free and open source.