Desktop app deployment on Windows

On Microsoft Windows, apps are deployed using installers. Any installer tool will work on your apps, including: Inno Setup, Advanced Installer, NSIS, InstallForge, CreateInstall and InstallShield.

• Sample Inno Setup Script for 32-bit apps

• Sample Inno Setup Script for 64-bit apps

Note: These installer tools all have to be run on Microsoft Windows in order to create a Windows installer. However, Inno Setup does work with WINE to allow it to be run on macOS or Linux. Regardless, you should always test your installers on actual Windows systems.

Installers

When you create your installer, you need to tell it to include all the files necessary to run the app. At a minimum, this includes the EXE file and the contents of its associated Libs and Resources folders.

For example, an app called Sliders would create a file called "Sliders.exe" and a folders called "Sliders Libs" and "Sliders Resources". The Libs folder contains DLLs for libraries, plugins and other associated files needed by your app.

If your app has other support files or folders, such as a Resources folder, then make sure that your installer includes them as well.

Setup.exe or MSI

Most installer tools allow you to create your installer as a Setup.exe file or as an MSI (Microsoft Installer) file. Either work fine, but MSI files have the advantage of being the current recommended method from Microsoft and can be used by IT departments for better control of installations. Choose what works best for your customers.

Location and shortcuts

Windows apps are installed to the Program Files folder. On 64-bit systems, 32-bit apps are installed to the Program Files (x86) folder.

Windows users expect to have easy access to your application, so this means you should create easily accessible shortcuts. Your installer tool should provide you with the option of creating a shortcut for the user on the Desktop and in the Start Menu.

Zip

For very simple distribution, you can Zip the application and its supporting files (such as the Libs folder). You can create a Zip by right-clicking on the parent folder in Windows Explorer and selecting Send To -> Compressed (zipped) Folder.

Once unzipped, the application can be run from any location.

Although this can be useful for testing purposes, it is not recommended for proper Windows application deployment.

Microsoft redistributable files

Your applications require the Windows Universal Runtime. Your installer should include the necessary redistributable in order for you app to work properly.

Submitting your app to the Windows App Store

Microsoft provides information on what is required to submit your app to the Windows App Store.