Microsoft is retiring a PowerShell installation method on Windows

Microsoft is replacing MSI with MSIX for PowerShell 7.7 installs, aiming for more reliable deployments, modern updates, and improved accessibility.

PowerShell is an extremely useful commandline-based utility that allows users to automate tasks, manage configurations, and perform other system administration activities. Recently, Microsoft has talked multiple times about how it is looking to improve this native Windows utility through various processes in 2026. Now, Microsoft has outlined one way in which it is simplifying the installation of PowerShell versions.

Starting with PowerShell 7.7-preview.1, expected later this month, Microsoft is getting rid of MSI installer packages in favor of MSIX. The Redmond tech giant has emphasized that the latter is a more modern format that offers reliability and predictability compared to MSI, which depends a bit too much on custom scripts. This can lead to inconsistent behaviors during deployment.

In addition, MSIX also offers more flexibility in its servicing model as it sports a built-in update mechanism powered by differential updates. In contrast, MSI is based on legacy technology that does not support modern accessibility standards and often requires external tooling and complete reinstalls with each new version release.

That said, Microsoft understands that MSIX doesn't support all capabilities offered by MSI just yet. For example, it does not support certain scenarios like remoting and execution by system-level services, such as Task Scheduler. Redmond is looking to close these gaps by investing in MSIX in the following areas:

• Improving MSIX support for system-level and enterprise deployment scenarios
• Ensuring accessibility requirements are fully met across all installation paths
• Providing clearer guidance and tooling for deployment at scale

Microsoft has noted that some environments which rely on MSI deployment may be impacted by this change, but it is for the greater good in terms of predictability and accessibility. In the same vein, it is worth keeping in mind that MSI packages will continue to be offered for existing versions, which means PowerShell 7.6, but starting with the general availability of PowerShell 7.7, MSIX will become the default installation method on Windows.

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Posted Saturday 11 April 2026 at 1:32 pm AEST (my time).

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