Windows Installer Apr 2026

: While users see features, the installer actually manages components . One feature can consist of multiple components, which are the smallest coherent units (files, registry keys, etc.) that the installer installs or removes together.

For managing built-in (like Hyper-V or WSL) rather than application features, administrators typically use tools like DISM or PowerShell cmdlets like Install-WindowsFeature . Windows Installer Features - Win32 apps - Microsoft Learn Windows Installer

: Letting users skip unnecessary tools to save disk space. : While users see features, the installer actually

When authoring an installation package , developers define features in the Feature Table of the MSI database. This allows for: : While users see features

: Reinstalling or repairing specific features rather than the entire application if files become corrupt.