Top Free Tools to Convert .EXE to MSI for GPSI Deployment: Expert Guide for Developers


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When deploying software via Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI), MSI packages are the preferred format. Many vendors still distribute software as EXE files, including Microsoft itself with tools like WMI Tools. This creates deployment challenges in enterprise environments where MSI is required for silent installations and proper integration with Windows Installer service.

Microsoft maintains EXE distribution for several technical reasons:

  • Bootstrapper functionality for prerequisite checking
  • Flexibility in installation scenarios
  • Legacy compatibility with older systems
  • Simpler update mechanisms for small utilities

Here are the most reliable free solutions for converting EXE to MSI:

1. Advanced Installer (Free Edition)

While Advanced Installer has paid versions, its free edition offers basic MSI creation capabilities:


# Sample command line for silent conversion
AdvancedInstaller.com /build "config.aip"

Key features include:

  • Simple GUI for package creation
  • Basic transform support
  • Limited but functional for simple conversions

2. WiX Toolset

Microsoft's official open-source tool requires more technical knowledge but offers powerful capabilities:


<?xml version="1.0"?>
<Wix xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/wix/2006/wi">
  <Product Id="*" Name="MyConvertedApp" Language="1033" 
           Version="1.0.0.0" Manufacturer="YourCompany">
    <Package InstallerVersion="200" Compressed="yes"/>
    <MediaTemplate />
    <Feature Id="ProductFeature" Title="MainFeature" Level="1">
      <ComponentRef Id="ApplicationFiles"/>
    </Feature>
  </Product>
</Wix>

3. EMCO MSI Package Builder

This free tool specializes in repackaging EXE files:

  • Captures installation changes via snapshot
  • Creates clean MSI packages
  • Supports command-line automation

If conversion isn't feasible, consider deploying the EXE with silent parameters:


msiexec /i "installer.exe" /quiet /norestart

Many modern installers (InnoSetup, InstallShield) support silent flags that may work with GPSI.

When choosing a conversion method, evaluate:

  • Digital signature requirements
  • Upgrade and patching workflows
  • Uninstallation cleanup
  • Custom action dependencies

Testing converted packages in a non-production environment is critical before wide deployment.

When deploying software via Group Policy Software Installation (GPSI), MSI packages are the preferred format due to their native Windows Installer support. Many developers face the challenge when vendors distribute software as EXE files (like Microsoft's WMI Tools). Here's why this happens:

  • EXEs provide simpler installation experiences for end-users
  • Some legacy tools were developed before MSI became standard
  • Quick updates are easier to distribute as EXEs

1. Advanced Installer Free Edition

# Sample command for Advanced Installer
AdvancedInstaller.com /edit MySetup.aip /build -msi

Features: Simple GUI, supports transforms, limited to 3 projects in free version

2. WiX Toolset

# Sample WiX script snippet
<Product Id="*" Name="MyApp" Language="1033" Version="1.0.0" 
         Manufacturer="Company" UpgradeCode="PUT-GUID-HERE">
  <Package InstallerVersion="200" Compressed="yes"/>
  <MediaTemplate />
  <Feature Id="ProductFeature" Title="MainFeature" Level="1">
    <ComponentGroupRef Id="ProductComponents"/>
  </Feature>
</Product>

Pros: Microsoft-supported, fully scriptable. Cons: Steeper learning curve

3. MSI Wrapper (Exemsi)

Simple drag-and-drop solution for basic repackaging needs. Works well for simple EXEs without complex dependencies.

When converting EXE to MSI for Group Policy deployment:

  • Ensure proper silent installation parameters (/qn or /quiet)
  • Include uninstall capabilities in your MSI
  • Test installation behavior in SYSTEM context
  • Handle registry and file system changes properly

Microsoft uses EXEs for certain tools because:

  1. Legacy compatibility requirements
  2. Simpler update mechanisms (especially for system components)
  3. Some tools are actually self-extracting archives rather than true installers
  4. Certain deployment scenarios work better with EXE bootstrappers

For deploying WMI Tools via GPSI, you would:

1. Extract the EXE using:
   WMITools.exe /x /q

2. Create MSI using WiX that:
   - Deploys the extracted files
   - Sets appropriate registry keys
   - Handles version checking

3. Add transforms for different deployment scenarios

For cases where MSI conversion isn't feasible:

# PowerShell deployment script example
$installer = "\\server\share\WMITools.exe"
$args = "/quiet /norestart"
Start-Process -FilePath $installer -ArgumentList $args -Wait

This can be deployed via Group Policy Preferences (less ideal than MSI but works).