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c#winformsrelease

Creating .exe or MSI from WinForms C# Project


I have a completed WinForms C# Project that I would like to finish up by creating a simple MSI to install the program into a specific location on the client computer.

I have watched many tutorial videos and SO threads but can't seem to find an answer.

Is it possible to do with Visual Studio 2013, or do I need 3rd Party software?

Any info or links to help will be appreciated.


Solution

  • Installer project was supported by Visual Studio until 2010, but unfortunately Microsoft discontinued. Since lots of people complained about it, Microsoft released add-ons.

    VS2013: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=UnniRavindranathan-MSFT.MicrosoftVisualStudio2013InstallerProjects

    VS2015: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=VisualStudioProductTeam.MicrosoftVisualStudio2015InstallerProjects

    VS2017 and 2019: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=VisualStudioProductTeam.MicrosoftVisualStudio2017InstallerProjects

    VS2022: https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=VisualStudioClient.MicrosoftVisualStudio2022InstallerProjects