Windows package creator/installer

[BobsTheDude]

I need to package up and create an installer for my Windows app. Not coming from a Windows background I am not sure what to use. Can anyone make a suggestion? I just need it to package everything up and be able to have the end-user click on it and have it install to the designated directories, etc.

[doublemax]

Inno Setup
https://jrsoftware.org/isinfo.php

[BobsTheDude]

Thank you.

[PB]

just be aware that regardless of the installer, if you do not have your executable signed, Windows will display a message than can scare some users and some may not even be able to find how to continue installation.

[BobsTheDude]

Thanks for that and hopefully it is much easier than signing an app on Mac.

[BobsTheDude]

Is there a tutorial you can point me to on signing Windows apps by chance?

[doublemax]

The technical process of signing is relatively simple:
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet ... gntool-exe

The main issue is to get a code signing certificate. Depending on where you live, whether you're developing an open source or commercial application and whether you have a registered company or are an individual, this can be more or less difficult and expensive.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Code_signing
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microsoft_SmartScreen

[dkaip]

Hello. I thing that the free and open source NSIS is the best and very easy tool.

https://helpdeskgeek.com/free-tools-rev ... r-packages
https://nsis.sourceforge.io/Main_Page

[PB]

Hello. I thing that the free and open source NSIS is the best and very easy tool.

Just curious: what do you think are the main practical advantages of NSIS over InnoSetup (I am familiar only with the latter)?