How to open .MSI files on Windows
To open .MSI files on Windows, right-click the .msi file and choose open with..
Step-by-step instructions
- Right-click the .MSI file and choose Open with.
- Select a trusted Windows app that supports .MSI files.
Recommended software
- Built-in extractor
- 7-Zip
- WinRAR
Alternative methods
- Open .MSI in a browser-based viewer if desktop apps fail.
- Try opening .MSI on Windows with a secondary app to rule out app-specific issues.
- Convert .MSI only with trusted tools when direct opening is not possible.
Common issues
.MSI file does not open
This usually means the required app is missing or the .MSI file is incomplete.
- Install or update a compatible application.
- Verify the file came from a trusted source and was fully downloaded.
- Try opening the file in an alternative app on another platform.
Security note
Only open .MSI files from trusted senders.