distributing-tauri-for-windows

Run npm run tauri build on Windows to produce MSI and NSIS installers. You can target specific architectures with flags like --target x86_64-pc-windows-msvc for 64-bit or aarch64-pc-windows-msvc for ARM64.

Yes, but only NSIS installers. Install nsis, llvm, and clang, add the x86_64-pc-windows-msvc Rust target, install cargo-xwin, then run tauri build with --runner cargo-xwin. MSI files require Windows with WiX Toolset.

MSI uses WiX Toolset and only builds on Windows, producing traditional .msi files. NSIS produces -setup.exe files and supports cross-platform builds from Linux or macOS, plus features like per-user installs and language selectors.

Use downloadBootstrapper for the smallest installer when users have internet access, embedBootstrapper for better Windows 7 support, or offlineInstaller for air-gapped environments and Microsoft Store submissions. The offline mode adds roughly 127 MB.

Build with a separate config setting webviewInstallMode to offlineInstaller, sign the installer, and ensure your publisher name differs from the product name. Then create a listing in Partner Center, reserve an app name, and upload the installer.

MSI files can only be built on Windows because they require the WiX Toolset. On Linux or macOS, switch to the NSIS target and use cargo-xwin for cross-compilation instead.