MSIEXE

MSIEXE, commonly referred to as msiexec.exe, is the Windows Installer executable used to install, modify, repair, and remove software that uses the Windows Installer technology. It is part of the Windows operating system and runs as a system or user process to manage MSI packages (.msi) and patches (.msp). The tool can be invoked from the command line, a script, or via software deployment systems that rely on Windows Installer.

MSIEXEC interacts with the Windows Installer service to perform installation-related tasks. It supports a range of operations, including installing new products, uninstalling existing ones, applying patches, repairing components, and performing administrative installs. Administrative installs place a full product installation in a network location, accessible to users on a later basis. The tool can operate with varying user interface levels and can perform unattended installations or installations with user interaction, depending on the chosen switches and options.

Common command-line usage includes:

- Installing a package: msiexec /i "path\to\package.msi" /qn for a silent install or /qb for a basic UI.

- Uninstalling a package: msiexec /x "path\to\package.msi" /qn.

- Applying a patch: msiexec /p "path\to\patch.msp" /norestart.

- Enabling logging: msiexec /i "package.msi" /l*v "C:\logs\install.log".

- Administrative install: msiexec /a "package.msi" /qb.

msiexec.exe is located in the Windows System32 directory and requires appropriate privileges to install or modify software. Security best practices include using trusted MSI sources and verifying digital signatures.