How to convert a .exe file into a .msi file to use in intune

Question

I would like to add applications in Intune how do I CONVERT .exe files to .msi files

Answer 1

Hi @Pamela Branch

You have a couple of options.

Option 1: Convert .exe to .msi

• Extract .exe File Content: Some .exe files can be extracted, revealing their components which can be re-packaged into .msi. Tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR can sometimes extract .exe installers.

Option 2: Deploy .exe Using Intune’s Win32 App Model

Instead of converting .exe to .msi, you can use the Intune Win32 App model to deploy .exe files directly. This approach is often more convenient for applications distributed as .exe.

1. Prepare the .exe File for Deployment:
   • Use the Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool (IntuneWinAppUtil.exe) to package the .exe installer into the .intunewin format required by Intune.
2. Deploy via Intune:
   • Upload the .intunewin package into Microsoft Intune as a Win32 app.
   • Define installation and uninstall commands, detection rules, and other deployment settings.
3. Guide Links for Win32 App Deployment:
   • Microsoft Win32 App Preparation Tool
   • How to Add Win32 Apps in Intune

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Answer 2

@PEJ, Thanks for posting in Q&A. To convert exe to msi, you can try the following tool to see if it works.

https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/xp9cwggd5rxjwm?launch=true&mode=full&hl=en-us&gl=sg&ocid=bingwebsearch

But if you want to deploy exe via Intune, please make sure the application has silently install/uninstall command. You can confirm with this with application support. If yes, you can follow Aleksandr's suggestion to deploy it via Intune win32.

Hope the above information can help.

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Answer 3

Converting EXE to MSI is not mandatory for Intune application packaging. You can still use EXE to automate application installations and avoid the extra step to get or record MSI file. Use Win32 app wrapper and use setup.exe /silent /quiet commands. Just test it out first with manual installation.