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NSIS

NSIS is a tool for programmers who need to create installers for Windows software.

Place
#20 of 29
Score
6.0

What NSIS is

NSIS is a tool for programmers who need to create installers for Windows software. Its scripts can install or uninstall programs, change system settings, extract files, and define custom installation logic using variables, functions, and string manipulation. The compiler produces self-contained Windows executable installers and uninstallers; command-line packaging and silent installation are supported.

Developers can choose classic or modern wizard interfaces, add custom pages, and include multiple interface languages, including right-to-left languages. Compression options include ZLib, BZip2, and LZMA. Plug-ins can extend installer tasks and interfaces, while included plug-ins can download files, make internet connections, and patch existing files. The compiler preprocessor can combine projects, automate builds, and generate variants such as lite and full releases. Installers can verify themselves with a CRC32 checksum. The compiler can be built for POSIX systems such as Linux and BSD, but generated installers run on Windows. NSIS is free for any use, with installers up to 2GB; its users manual links to a FAQ, wiki, and forum.

Good

  • Free for any use
  • Supports custom installation logic in scripts
  • Offers ZLib, BZip2, and LZMA compression
  • Can automate builds and produce installer variants
  • Supports silent installation and command-line packaging

Watch out

  • Generated installers run on Windows
  • Installer size limit is 2GB

Who it suits

NSIS is suited to programmers building Windows installers and uninstallers who want scriptable installation logic, language options, and automated build variants. Its command-line packaging and silent installation support may fit automated workflows.

Verdict

NSIS offers programmers detailed control over Windows installer behavior, interfaces, and builds without a usage charge. Keep in mind that it creates Windows installers even though its compiler can be built for POSIX systems.

Plans and prices

From NSIS's own pricing page, checked 4 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
NSISFreeCompletely free for any use · installers can be as large as 2GB · generated installers run on Windows

The facts

Each one read from NSIS's own pages, with the date it was checked.

What it does

Builds
The compiler preprocessor can combine multiple projects into one installer, generate builds automatically, and create variants such as lite and full releases.checked 4 Oct 2026
Compression
NSIS includes ZLib, BZip2, and LZMA compression methods.checked 4 Oct 2026
Extensions
NSIS supports plug-ins that can extend installer tasks and interfaces; plug-ins can be written in C, C++, Delphi, or another language.checked 4 Oct 2026
Installer interfaces
It includes classic and modern wizard interfaces and lets developers create custom pages and interfaces.checked 4 Oct 2026
Integrity check
The feature list says installers can verify themselves using a CRC32 checksum.checked 4 Oct 2026
Languages
A single installer can support multiple interface languages, including right-to-left languages, and developers can create their own language files.checked 4 Oct 2026
License
The source code, plug-ins, documentation, examples, header files, and graphics are generally under the zlib/libpng license, with separate stated licenses for compression modules and exceptions noted on the license page.checked 4 Oct 2026
Purpose
NSIS is a tool for programmers to create Windows installers, including installers that can install, uninstall, change system settings, and extract files.checked 4 Oct 2026
Scripting
Its installer-focused scripting language supports variables, functions, string manipulation, and custom installation logic.checked 4 Oct 2026
Support resources
The users manual links to a FAQ, wiki, and forum for questions and discussion.checked 4 Oct 2026
Web and patching
Included plug-ins can download files from the internet, make internet connections, and patch existing files.checked 4 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Platform support
The compiler can be built for POSIX platforms such as Linux and BSD, while installers it generates run on Windows.checked 4 Oct 2026

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