Packaging

How to Create an Installer

A practical, beginner-friendly guide to how to create an installer for independent software developers preparing a trustworthy NeonRoof release. It covers the decisions, evidence, and release checks that matter in packaging.

Release checklist

  1. Build a clean release from a tagged source revision and test it on a clean Windows user account.
  2. Choose EXE, MSI, MSIX, or ZIP based on installation, update, permissions, and uninstall needs.
  3. Document silent install behavior only when the installer officially supports it.
  4. Remove secrets, development settings, private symbols, and machine-specific paths before packaging.
  5. Record the version, architecture, file size, and SHA-256 hash for the exact submitted binary.

How to apply this on NeonRoof

Prepare the evidence while you build the release, not after uploading it. Enter the same publisher name, version, architecture, licensing details, and support information everywhere. Submit one final binary, then wait for release-specific certification before making it downloadable.

If a check fails, correct the source or packaging process, increment the release when appropriate, build again from a known revision, and submit the new immutable binary. Never replace a certified file behind the same URL.

Official documentation