Master Packager 23.6.8717 release highlights

Master Packager 23.6.8717 is out now 🚀

We’re releasing a new version of Master Packager dedicated to creating the best application packaging software. Our goal is to make application management easy and affordable for everyone.

What’s new?

1. Open MSI with the Master Packager Windows 11 Context Menu

Opening MSIs should be fast. Therefore, we’ve included a Win11 context menu option that will double the speed of opening MSI files if you were previously using the new Win11 context menu. Thanks to Master Packager Dev’s features, adding the Win11 context menu to an MSI as a developer has become remarkably simple, eliminating the need for MSIX or C++ coding knowledge that was previously required.
The image would show a screenshot of the Windows 11 context menu, typically accessed by right-clicking on a file or folder

2. Sign MSI package without saving

Now, we can sign MSI packages with a click of a button. Previously, signing MSIs was only triggered during the MSI saving process.
The image would show the "Digital Signature" window in Master Packager. It includes an option to sign with a certificate thumbprint, with a field for entering or selecting the thumbprint. A "Sign" button is present to initiate the signing process.

3. Extract file/directory

Sometimes, there’s a requirement to extract a particular file or directory from the MSI file without extracting the entire MSI content. Now, this capability is available. You can access this feature from the Advanced or Table Editor.
Master Packager interface with the option to extract a specific file or directory from an MSI package

4. NEW predefined Master Packager Action - Register dll

Register dll files now become as easy as selecting the file you want to register. That’s it. This feature is available for Master Packager Professional users.

Master Packager interface with a predefined action labeled "Register DLL."

5. Fixing PSADT for .Intunewin after Microsoft broke it

Microsoft Win32 Content Prep Tool had an issue on Win11 that caused crash problems. It has since been fixed by Microsoft. However, the fix introduced a new issue for functionalities, specifically the capability we used to create .Intunewin files from PowerShell App Deploy Toolkit files. We’ve discovered a workaround to fix this, and with this release, you should have no difficulties in building .Intunewin files for your created PowerShell App Deploy Toolkit wrappers.
A right-click context menu on a file in Windows 11, with an additional option labeled "PSADT to IntuneWin" available in the menu

6. Master Packager now will detect if the MSI has VBScript Custom Actions

In October 2023, Microsoft announced that VBScript will be deprecated. In future releases of Windows, VBScript will be available as a Feature On Demand before its removal from the operating system. We wrote a blog post about that here.

When working with MSI files use Master Packager to open, create, and edit MSI/MST files. Starting with this version 23.6.8717 Master Packager will detect if the MSI has VBScript Custom Actions. This functionality is supported in the Free Community Version.

When opening an MSI with Master Packager you will see red warning icon at top indicating that there is an VBScript Custom Action in the MSI/MST file.
Master Packager interface with an MSI file open. At the top of the window, a red warning icon is visible, indicating the presence of a VBScript Custom Action within the MSI or MST file.

Same warning icon is visible in the Custom Action Advanced Editor view.
Custom Action Advanced Editor view in Master Packager. In this view, the same red warning icon is visible, indicating the presence of a VBScript Custom Action in the file.

We believe that a feature like this is a crucial functionality to be proactive and prevent issues going forward. If you use ORCA or InstEd to edit MSI files, then you will love working with Master Packager even more.

These are the highlights. Read the full release notes here:

If you enjoy Master Packager, please consider supporting us by purchasing a license. 💙
Master Packager team
The Master Packager Team

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