Creating .exe or MSI from WinForms C# Project

Question

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.

Answer 1

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

VS2022 (ARM64): https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=VisualStudioClient.MicrosoftVisualStudio2022InstallerProjectsArm64

Answer 2

Here you go

1.] Install this
https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=UnniRavindranathan-MSFT.MicrosoftVisualStudio2013InstallerProjects

2.] And refer below links

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0v6hmumCFU

http://geekswithblogs.net/TarunArora/archive/2014/04/24/visual-studio-2013-installer-projects-ndash-hello-world-installer.aspx

https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/568476/Creating-an-MSI-Setup-Package-for-Csharp-Windows

http://www.advancedinstaller.com/user-guide/tutorial-ai-ext-vs.html

Answer 3

Goto Visual Studio Menu/Build/Publish you Project or NameofyourFolder\ProjectName\bin\Debug enjoy.