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WiX Toolset
What it is
WiX Toolset is a free, open-source toolset for developers building installers for Windows Installer, the Windows installation engine. Its build tools create .exe setup bundles, .msi installation packages, .msm merge modules, and .msp patches. Projects use XML text files that developers can edit in text editors and track in source control. WiX command-line tools work with automated build systems, and MSBuild is supported through the command line, Visual Studio, and CI/CD systems such as GitHub Actions. Extensions can install IIS websites, create SQL Server databases, and register Windows Firewall exceptions. Burn can install prerequisites alongside a product, download packages, or combine them into one downloadable .exe. Packages generally work on Windows 7 and later. Using WiX as a .NET tool or with dotnet build requires a .NET SDK; using it as an MSBuild SDK through msbuild requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later. Consumer security updates cover the current and previous major versions, with support for the previous version ending up to 10 months after the current version's release. The source code is free, though some revenue-generating organizations must satisfy the Open Source Maintenance Fee.
For and against
For
- Builds .exe, .msi, .msm, and .msp package types.
- Command-line tools work with automated build systems.
- Burn can bundle prerequisites with a product.
- Source files can be tracked in source control.
Against
- WiX creates installers for Windows.
- Some builds require a .NET SDK or .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.
- Some organizations must meet the Open Source Maintenance Fee.
The verdict
WiX Toolset provides Windows installer packaging, extension capabilities, and build-system integration in an open-source toolset. Organizations should check the applicable build requirements and maintenance-fee terms before adopting it.
Who it suits
WiX Toolset is aimed at developers who need to build Windows installers and integrate packaging into automated build systems. It may also suit teams that want installer definitions in editable XML tracked in source control.
Plans and prices
WiX Toolset source code
Source code remains freely available; revenue-generating organizations above $10,000 in annual revenue must satisfy the Open Source Maintenance Fee
Read 4 Oct 2026 · docs.firegiant.com
Personal Consultation
Two-hour videoconference consultation
Read 4 Oct 2026 · firegiant.com
Code Review
Review of WiX-based deployment code
Read 4 Oct 2026 · firegiant.com
WiX Developer Direct
WiX support and extended support · site license to advanced tools · one two-hour consultation and one code review per year · monthly office hours
Read 4 Oct 2026 · firegiant.com
On the record
- Build integration
- WiX command-line tools work with any automated build system, and MSBuild is supported from the command line, Visual Studio, and common CI/CD systems such as GitHub Actions.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Build requirements
- Using WiX as a .NET tool or with dotnet build requires a .NET SDK; using it as an MSBuild SDK via msbuild requires .NET Framework 4.7.2 or later.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Burn bundles
- Burn can install prerequisites alongside a product and download packages or combine them into one downloadable .exe.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Extensions
- WiX extensions can install IIS websites, create SQL Server databases, and register Windows Firewall exceptions.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Maintenance fee
- Organizations generating more than $10,000 in annual revenue, as defined by the OSMF terms, must sponsor the wixtoolset GitHub organization to satisfy the Open Source Maintenance Fee.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Maker
- FireGiant was founded in January 2013 by Rob Mensching and Kirk Fertitta.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Package types
- Its build tools create .exe setup bundles, .msi installation packages, .msm merge modules, and .msp patches.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- WiX lets developers create installers for Windows Installer, the Windows installation engine.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Security lifecycle
- Consumer security updates are provided for the current and previous major versions, with support for the previous version ending up to 10 months after the current version's release.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Source format
- WiX uses XML text files that can be viewed and edited with text editors and tracked in source control.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support availability
- FireGiant customers with active support contracts can submit support requests; anyone can browse its WiX knowledge base.support.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Supported platform
- WiX creates Windows installers, and packages built with it generally work on Windows 7 and later.docs.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Support offering
- WiX Developer Direct includes email-based support, guaranteed bug fixes, extended WiX v3 and v4 support, and unlimited team contacts.firegiant.com · read 4 Oct 2026
