Released: Jul 7, 2026

Actualizaciones en 2026 R1

Características

Support for Running PowerShell Scripts in MSIX Package Using Package Support Framework

• InstallShield 2026 R1 introduces support for running PowerShell scripts, included in the MSIX package, using the Microsoft Package Support Framework (PSF). This capability enables application customization and compatibility actions to be performed at runtime without requiring changes to the application source code. In InstallShield, this support functionality is enabled through custom fixups, which are configured using a PSF config.json file. This file is included within the MSIX package and is read and processed by the Microsoft Package Support Framework during the application execution. The custom fixups allow you to explicitly define:
  • Which executable within the MSIX package the PowerShell script applies to.
  • When the PowerShell script is executed; either before application launch (startScript) or after application exit (endScript).
  • How the PowerShell script behaves during execution, such as execution scope, visibility, error handling, and execution timing.
• At runtime, the Microsoft Package Support Framework intercepts the application launch lifecycle and invokes the configured PowerShell scripts at the defined execution points - before the application starts and after the application exits - ensuring that runtime configuration and cleanup tasks are performed consistently within the MSIX container.

Support for WinUI-Based Wizard Pages

• InstallShield 2026 R1 introduces the WinUI framework support for the wizard pages that are displayed during Advanced UI or Suite/Advanced UI installation or uninstallation. A new drop-down option, WinUI, is now available for the Installation Type setting - under the Wizard Options area on the Wizard Pages node in the Wizard Interface view. Configuring the Installation Type setting to the WinUI option also enables the following additional setting and Wizard Format drop-down options that help you customize the installer user experience:
  • WinUI Frameless Window - Specify whether WinUI-based wizard pages are displayed without a standard frame. Available drop-down options are:
    • Yes - Displays WinUI-based wizard pages in a frameless window for a modern appearance.
    • No - Uses the standard window frame. By default, the WINUI Frameless Window setting is set to No.
• Wizard Format - Specify the required visual style to be applied to wizard pages when Installation Type is set to WinUI. Available drop-down options are:
  • Mica - Setting this option applies the Windows 11-style Mica material effect for a modern appearance.
  • Mica Alt - Setting this option applies the Mica Alt material effect, which provides a stronger background tint than Mica.
  • Acrylic - Setting this option applies the Windows 10-style Acrylic material effect instead of the Windows 11 Mica styling.
• Note - The WinUI framework support is available exclusively in InstallShield Premier Edition. This feature is not available in InstallShield Professional and InstallShield Express Editions.

Support to Pass Command-Line Arguments to Packaged Application Using Custom Fixup

• InstallShield 2026 R1 introduces support for passing command-line arguments to the application when it is launched using the installed MSIX package. This capability is enabled through the Microsoft Package Support Framework (PSF). Since the MSIX-packaged application entry points do not natively allow startup arguments, this capability enables packagers to reliably supply required parameters at launch time without modifying the application itself. To use this functionality, you need to define the desired arguments in the PSF config.json file, and then apply using a custom fixup under the Package Support Framework area of the Application Settings view of an MSIX project type.
• At runtime, the Microsoft Package Support Framework processes the configuration and ensures that the defined arguments are passed to the application when it is launched, enabling greater flexibility and compatibility for MSIX-packaged applications.

Support for Microsoft Entra ID Authentication and Custom SQL Connection String

• InstallShield 2026 R1 introduces support for the Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) authentication when connecting to Microsoft SQL Server databases. This new authentication enables secure, modern authentication mechanisms while providing full control over database connection configuration. Additionally, InstallShield 2026 R1 introduces a new setting, Connection String, in the Requirements tab of an SQL connection within the SQL Scripts view. This new setting allows you to define a new connection string or customize the existing SQL Server connection string for any database server used during installation. Typically, an SQL server connection string can include essential connection details, such as the server name, database name, and authentication parameters, including Microsoft Entra ID - based credentials. The Connection String setting is enabled only when the following conditions are met:
  • The Specify Custom Connection String check box in the Requirements tab is selected.
  • A supported and desired database server in the Database Servers list on the Requirements tab is selected.
• When an SQL Server connection string is configured and the installation project is saved, the connection string information is automatically stored in the ISSQLDBMetaData table - available under the Tables explorer in the Direct Editor view - and is used during SQL script execution during installation. This ensures that the installation process consistently uses the defined authentication method and connection parameters. The Connection String setting may provide the following benefits:
  • Native support for Microsoft Entra ID authentication scenarios.
  • Greater flexibility in configuring secure SQL Server connections.
  • Centralized control of database connectivity within the InstallShield IDE.