The Windows Installer (msiserver) service manages the installation and removal of applications. It applies a set of centrally defined setup rules during the installation process that specify how applications are installed and configured. You can also use this service to modify, repair, or remove existing applications. The Windows Installer technology consists of the Windows Installer service for the Windows operating system and the Windows Installer Package (a .msi file) that contains application setup and installation information.

The Windows Installer service is also an extensible software management system. It manages the installation, addition, and deletion of software components, monitors file resiliency, and maintains basic disaster recovery by way of rollbacks. It supports the installation and operation of software from multiple sources, and developers who want to install custom applications can customize it.

Applications that use the installer start the service. If this service stops, applications that use it cannot be installed, removed, repaired, or modified. Also, a number of applications use this service when they are active, and they may not run if the Windows Installer service stops.

This service is installed by default in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and its startup type is Manual.

When the Windows Installer service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local System account.

The Windows Installer service is dependent upon the following system components:

• Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
• DCOM Server Process Launcher
• RPC Endpoint Mapper