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What Is a WiX Component?

Last updated on January 3, 2023 @ 7:44 pm

A WiX component is a container for files, registry keys, and other resources that are installed on a user’s computer. A component can be shared by multiple features, or it can be used by a single feature.

WiX components are identified by unique GUIDs. When a component is installed on a user’s computer, its GUID is added to the registry so that Windows Installer can track the component.

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What Is a WiX Component?

A WiX component is a container for files, registry keys, and other resources that are installed on a user’s computer.

Components are the basic building blocks of a Windows Installer package. A package can contain multiple components, and each component can contain multiple files and other resources. For example, a package might include two components: one for the application files and one for the application documentation. Each component in a package must have a unique identifier (GUID).

When you create an installer for your application, you must decide which files should go into which components.

As a general rule of thumb, you should put each file into its own component. That way, if you need to update one file, you can simply update the component that contains that file without having to rebuild the entire installer package.

What Are the Benefits of Using WiX Components?

There are several benefits of using WiX components:

  • Componentization: Components provide better modularity and flexibility when authoring your installer. For example, if you need to update one file in your application, you can simply update the component that contains that file without having to rebuild the entire installer package.

  • Reusability: Components can be reused by multiple features in your installer. This allows you to avoid duplicate copies of files and other resources in your installer package.

  • Sharing: Components can be shared across multiple installer packages. This allows you to create smaller installer packages that download only the components they need.

PRO TIP: If you are not familiar with WiX, then you should not attempt to use this tool. WiX is a complex tool that can be used to create Windows Installer packages. If you do not know what you are doing, then you could potentially damage your system.
Madison Geldart

Madison Geldart

Cloud infrastructure engineer and tech mess solver.