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Wrap Files into MSI

Learn how to wrap files into a single MSI package for easy deployment via MDM. Deploy custom apps, scripts, and installers on Windows devices.

5 min read

TL;DR

Learn how to package files into an MSI for easy deployment via MDM, enabling custom application and script installations on Windows devices.

Wrapping files into a single MSI file is helpful when deploying custom applications or scripts through Applivery MDM. Once packaged, the MSI can be uploaded to Applivery and deployed like any standard application, triggering your custom scripts or installers on target devices.

Common use cases

Wrapping into a single MSI is useful for:

  • Installing .exe applications.

  • Installing .msix or .msixbundle packages.

  • Deploying custom scripts.

Note

MSI files deployed through Applivery are executed with administrator privileges under the SYSTEM account in Windows. Keep this in mind when deploying scripts or applications intended for user-level execution, as they will also run in the SYSTEM context.

How it works

The most straightforward approach is to include all necessary files in a folder, along with a batch file (.bat). This batch script serves as the entry point, allowing it to call PowerShell scripts or launch installers.

Example: Deploying xbox.msixbundle

1
Create a batch file (installXbox.bat) to trigger a PowerShell script
@echo off
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "%~dp0installXboxApp.ps1"
2
Create the PowerShell script (installXboxApp.ps1) to install the app
Dism /Online /Add-ProvisionedAppxPackage /PackagePath:".\xbox.msixbundle" /SkipLicense
exit 0
3
Place the following files in a single folder

  • installXbox.bat

  • installXboxApp.ps1

  • xbox.msixbundle

Creating an MSI with EXEMSI’s MSI Wrapper

There are multiple tools available to create MSI packages. In this guide, we’ll use MSI Wrapper by EXEMSI — a simple utility that offers both free and paid versions.

Note

The free version adds a watermark to the MSI file name but does not limit functionality.

Prepare Your Files

Before wrapping, create a folder with only the necessary files (e.g., batch file, scripts, app packages).

Warning

MSI files cannot execute PowerShell scripts directly. You must use a .bat file to trigger any PowerShell logic.

In this example, the batch file is set as the primary executable. When the MSI is run, the batch script initiates the PowerShell script, which performs the actual installation.

1
Open MSI Wrapper and click Next to begin the configuration process
step-1
2
Select the batch file as the executable (this is your trigger file)

  • Make sure to check the box to include all files in the setup folder.

  • Choose the appropriate platform architecture (usually x64).

step-2
3
Set the installation context based on your deployment needs
  • In most cases, you’ll want to install for all users or system-wide.
step-3
4
Define the application identity

  • Enter an Application ID (any string of your choice).

  • Click to generate a new Upgrade Code.

5
Fill in product details manually

  • Provide the Product Name, Manufacturer, and Version.

  • Click Next through the remaining steps.

6
Click Build to generate the MSI file
  • The output MSI will be created in the same directory as your source files.
step-6

Key Takeaways

  • MSI packaging simplifies application deployment via MDM.
  • Batch files are essential for triggering PowerShell scripts within an MSI.
  • MSI Wrapper is a useful tool for creating MSI packages.
  • MSI files deployed through Applivery run with administrator privileges under the SYSTEM account.