What is the Difference Between EXE and Installer Files?

Learn about the key differences between EXE files and installer files in this quick Q&A video.

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Exe files are executable files that run a program directly when double-clicked. Installer files (.exe, .msi) contain the necessary files and scripts to install software on your system. The main difference is that an exe file executes a program, while an installer file sets up the program on your computer.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does an EXE file do? An EXE file runs a program directly when double-clicked, executing the code contained within it.
  2. How does an installer file work? An installer file contains necessary scripts and files that set up software on your computer, often prompting for user input during installation.
  3. Can an EXE file be an installer? Yes, many installer files use the .exe extension to execute the installation process.
  4. Are installer files safe to use? Installer files are generally safe, but it's important to download from trusted sources to avoid malware.

Watch More

For more insights into file types and software installation processes, check out our related videos on 'Common File Extensions Explained' and 'How to Safely Download Software'.

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