WXS File – What is .wxs file and how to open it?

What is a WXS File?

WXS (WiX Source File) is a Windows Installer XML (WiX) file that contains the source code for creating Windows Installer packages (MSI packages). It is written in the WiX language, an XML-based language specifically designed for authoring MSI packages. WXS files are composed of elements and attributes that define the structure and configuration of the MSI package. They include details such as the files to be installed, registry entries to be modified, and user interface elements to be displayed.

Key Features of WXS Files

WXS files offer several advantages in creating MSI packages:

• Declarative syntax: WXS files use a declarative syntax that makes it easy to define the structure and configuration of the MSI package. This syntax reduces the need for complex programming and simplifies the creation process.
• Customization: WXS files allow for extensive customization of MSI packages. Developers can define custom actions, create custom user interfaces, and incorporate additional functionality through the use of extension modules.
• Reusability: WXS files can be reused across multiple MSI packages, ensuring consistency and reducing development time. They can also be imported into other WiX projects, facilitating the sharing of code and best practices.

Using WiX Toolset

To open and edit a WXS file, the primary tool is the Windows Installer XML (WiX) Toolset, provided by Microsoft. WiX is an open-source set of tools designed for creating Windows Installer packages (.MSI). The WXS file is the XML-based source file used to define the properties, features, and other components of the installer package.

To open a WXS file using WiX Toolset, you can follow these steps:

1. Install the WiX Toolset from the Microsoft website.
2. Open the WiX Toolset Command Prompt or Visual Studio extension (if installed).
3. Navigate to the directory where the WXS file is located.
4. Use the following command to open the WXS file in the WiX editor:


candle.exe <path_to_wxs_file>


Alternative Methods

Alternatively, there are a few other tools that can be used to open and view WXS files:

• XML Editor: Any general-purpose XML editor, such as Notepad++, Sublime Text, or Atom, can be used to open and view the XML structure of a WXS file. However, these editors may not provide the full functionality and syntax highlighting available in specialized WiX editors.
• Online WXS Viewer: There are online tools that allow you to view and validate WXS files without installing any software. One such tool is the WiX Source Viewer (https://wixtoolset.org/tools/online-viewers/source-viewer/).

What is a WXS File?

A WXS file is a WiX source file written in the WiX XML-based scripting language. WiX (Windows Installer XML) is an open-source software development toolset used to create Windows Installer packages (.msi files). WXS files contain the instructions and configurations necessary for building and customizing installation packages for Windows applications. They define various aspects of the installation process, including file layout, registry settings, shortcuts, and user interface elements.

Structure and Syntax of WXS Files

WXS files follow a structured XML format. They typically include the following sections:

• Product: Defines the product information, such as name, version, language, and manufacturer.
• Feature: Describes the different components of the software being installed.
• Component: Specifies the files and registry keys included in each feature.
• File: Defines the individual files to be installed and their properties.
• Directory: Organizes the files into a hierarchical directory structure.
• User Interface: Controls the appearance and functionality of the installation wizard.

Other Extensions