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Squirrel.Windows

Squirrel.Windows is a free, open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop applications.

Place
#24 of 29
Score
5.8
Squirrel.Windows's website

What Squirrel.Windows is

Squirrel.Windows is a free, open-source framework for installing and updating Windows desktop applications. It uses NuGet packages to create installers and update packages for applications written in C# or other languages, including native C++ programs. Output formats include Setup.exe, Setup.msi, full .nupkg packages, delta .nupkg packages, and RELEASES files. Delta packages can reduce update size, and separate Dev, Beta, and Release channels are supported. Applications can be distributed through Microsoft IIS, Amazon S3, or GitHub. The project describes wizard-free installation to a local user account without UAC dialogs or reboots, plus updates that can run while an application remains open. Developers can control installation and update actions, integrate UpdateManager into a C# Windows Forms application, and add code signing to Setup.exe and the application. Command-line packaging, silent installation, automatic updates, and CI/CD integration are listed capabilities. The project uses the MIT license.

Good

  • Free MIT-licensed open source
  • Supports full and delta NuGet packages
  • Provides silent and automatic updates
  • Supports multiple release channels
  • Offers command-line packaging and CI/CD integration

Watch out

  • Windows-only platform
  • Focused on desktop application distribution
  • No free trial because it is free software

Who it suits

Squirrel.Windows suits developers distributing Windows desktop applications who need packaging, silent installation, automatic updates, or CI/CD integration. It is relevant to teams managing multiple release channels or distributing through IIS, Amazon S3, or GitHub.

Verdict

Squirrel.Windows covers packaging, installation, and updating for Windows desktop software in one open-source framework. Its Windows-only scope makes it a focused choice for teams shipping desktop applications on that platform.

Plans and prices

From Squirrel.Windows's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
Open sourceFreeWindows desktop apps · MIT license

The facts

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

What it does

Code signing
The documentation includes a topic on adding code signing to Setup.exe and the application.checked 9 Oct 2026
Custom actions
The project goals describe developer control over custom actions and events during installation and updating.checked 9 Oct 2026
Delta updates
The project describes support for delta packages to reduce update package size.checked 9 Oct 2026
Developer integration
The getting started guide demonstrates integrating Squirrel.Windows and its UpdateManager into a basic C# Windows Forms application.checked 9 Oct 2026
Distribution integrations
The documentation covers distributing applications with Microsoft IIS, Amazon S3, and GitHub.checked 9 Oct 2026
Install behavior
The project goals describe wizard-free installs to the local user account without UAC dialogs or reboots.checked 9 Oct 2026
License
The repository identifies the project license as MIT.checked 9 Oct 2026
Packaging
Squirrel uses NuGet packages to create installation and update packages.checked 9 Oct 2026
Purpose
Squirrel.Windows is an installation and update framework for Windows desktop apps.checked 9 Oct 2026
Update behavior
The project goals say updates should be applicable while the app is running without forcing users to stop their work or reboot.checked 9 Oct 2026
Update channels
The project describes support for multiple update channels, such as Dev, Beta, and Release.checked 9 Oct 2026

Where it runs

Supported apps
It can manage desktop applications written in C# or other languages, including native C++ applications.checked 9 Oct 2026

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