This article explains how to run an MSI file on a computer in order to install the program it refers to. The MSI format is a Microsoft Windows proprietary file format and refers to the API named Windows Installer. An MSI file can contain several programs within it. If you are using a Windows system, to run an MSI file just double-click the corresponding icon. If you are using a Mac, you can extract the contents of the MSI file with a specific program, but it will not be possible to install the software it refers to.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Find the MSI file inside the PC
MSI files are native Windows executable files. Using the Windows operating system, you can run any MSI file to install the program it refers to without having to use third-party software.
Step 2. Double-click the MSI file icon to run it
This will start the installation wizard of the program referenced by the MSI file.
If prompted, click the button Run present in the pop-up that appeared.
Step 3. Follow the instructions of the installation wizard
You will be guided step by step through the installation process for the program referenced by the MSI file.
The installation steps vary depending on the program to be installed. In some cases, you will be asked to select the installation folder or to choose whether to perform the standard or custom installation. In the latter case, you will be able to choose which software add-ons should be installed
Step 4. Complete the installation
When the installation process is complete, a warning message will appear on the screen. At that point, you will have to click on the button Close or end to be able to close the installation wizard window and start the program you just installed.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Consider installing a version of Windows on your Mac in order to install the program contained in the MSI file
MSI files can only be run on computers running Windows. If you are using a Mac running a version of macOS, you will not be able to install the program referenced by the MSI file under consideration.
- You can use the program Bootcamp Apple to install Windows on a compatible Mac. Alternatively, you can use a virtual machine by installing a special program, such as Parallels.
- Read this article for more information on the tools described above.
- If you have a version of Windows installed on your Mac, you can run the MSI file and install the program it refers to by simply double clicking.
Step 2. Locate the MSI file inside the Mac and right click on the corresponding icon
A context menu will appear inside which there will be a series of options.
Step 3. Place the mouse pointer on the Open With item of the appeared menu
A new submenu will appear with the list of recommended programs to be able to open the file in question.
Step 4. Select a compressed archive program listed in the "Open With" menu
Since MSI files have a very similar structure to compressed data stores, this way you will be able to examine the contents of the MSI file.
- You can use one of the popular Mac programs to manage compressed archives, such as 7-Zip, The Unarchiver or UnRarX.
- Some data decompression programs will ask you to indicate the folder in which to extract the data. In this case, you will simply have to select the folder where you want the contents of the MSI file to be saved.
Step 5. Review the files you extracted from the MSI archive
If you are using a Mac with an Apple operating system, you will not be able to install the program referenced by the MSI file, but you will still be able to examine and modify all the data it contained.
