Building reliable Windows installers is essential but often challenging. From adapting to industry standards to ensuring smooth user experiences, the process can be time-consuming. InstallShield simplifies it all.

Revenera InstallShield (formerly Flexera InstallShield) is the fastest, easiest way to build Windows installers and MSIX packages. With seamless Microsoft Visual Studio integration and streamlined workflows, it reduces extra coding and rework. The result? Faster launches, higher productivity, and clean, hassle-free installations that leave a great first impression.

• Build clean installs, upgrades and uninstalls for Windows incredibly quickly and easily.
• Easily create native MSI and MSIX or convert any MSI file into an MSIX package.
• Create installations directly within Microsoft Visual Studio for MSI, MSIX and EXE installers.
• Install Web Applications to Microsoft® Azure™ and Microsoft IIS using Microsoft Web Deploy.
• Automatically Provision Virtual Machines for Simple Installation Testing.
• Enable digital signing through built-in tools and seamless integration with third-party solutions.
• Enable to automate development and build processes silently through the automation interface or Standalone command-line utility.
• Provide InstallShield Prerequisite Editor to add or modify the prerequisites.
• Bundle multiple products for Windows, MSIX and more using InstallShield Suite Projects.
• Provide an intuitive designer with versatile views for configuring key features.
• CI/CD integration made easier through Cloud License Server.

Modern Windows-Native Installer Experiences

As Windows applications continue to adopt modern user interface frameworks, installer experiences are expected to evolve as well.

InstallShield 2026 introduces support for WinUI 3 installer interfaces, enabling software vendors to deliver a modern Windows-native installation experience while continuing to use the installation logic, workflows, and project investments already built into InstallShield.

This allows teams to modernize the appearance of their installers without having to redesign or rebuild existing installation projects.

Support for Microsoft Entra ID Authentication

Many organizations are standardizing on modern identity platforms and moving away from traditional authentication methods.

InstallShield 2026 adds support for Microsoft Entra ID authentication when connecting to SQL Server databases during installation. This enhancement enables installer workflows to align more closely with enterprise authentication practices and security requirements.

For organizations operating in environments with strict identity and access controls, this helps simplify deployment while reducing dependence on legacy authentication mechanisms.

Expanded Package Support Framework Capabilities for MSIX

MSIX continues to gain adoption, but application compatibility remains a common challenge when packaging existing applications.

InstallShield 2026 extends support for Microsoft’s Package Support Framework, allowing PowerShell scripts to be executed from within MSIX packages and enabling runtime command-line arguments to be passed without requiring modifications to application source code.

These enhancements provide additional flexibility for addressing application compatibility requirements while supporting modern packaging initiatives.

Additional Enhancements and Platform Updates

InstallShield 2026 also includes a range of platform updates, compatibility improvements, and issue resolutions to help improve packaging reliability and deployment efficiency.

Read the full release notes here.

What's been added in the past few releases ?

InstallShield Premier

The most powerful, capable, and widely used solution among installation developers worldwide. Get immediate access to our new Suite Installation functionality, installation streaming, 64-bit enhancements and more.

InstallShield Professional

A powerful yet easy-to-use solution, ideal for both novice and seasoned installation developers.

• Ship MSIX with Confidence
  Use PSF Fixups to improve compatibility at runtime, without changing app source. PowerShell scripts and runtime command-line arguments are supported.
• Modern Windows-Native Installer Experience
  Build and ship a WinUI 3-based installer experience so you can deliver a modern, Windows-native UI without reworking your installer logic
• MFA-Enabled SQL Installer Connections
  InstallShield supports Microsoft Entra ID authentication for SQL Server giving you secure, MFA-based access with simple configuration.
• Support for Windows High Contrast Mode
  InstallShield supports Windows High Contrast Mode for Suite Installers, automatically adapting to users' chosen high contrast color schemes for better visibility. 
• Support for 64-bit InstallScript Installers
  InstallShield supports 64-bit InstallScript installers, allowing users to build and deploy optimized x64 setups with improved compatibility and performance.
• Support for Windows Server 2025
  You can use InstallShield to build apps for Windows Server.