WiX's biggest issue is the lack of documentation. I actually quite like WiX because of some pretty good tooling (like heat to create WiX definitions for files to install, or dark to reverse engineer MSIs). Custom Action DLLs in C++ are pretty straightforward once you learn how to do them.

However, I found the documentation to be completely terrible. Changing a default dialog required copying some templates from the source branch. I had to search all over Google (and mailing lists) to add a Custom Action DLL to augment the installer functionality in a WXS file.

Overall, I like the text-based format and UNIX-y command tools. However, the lack of good support and documentation is what drives the sharp learning curve. I suspect that the need to produce MSI and desktop software is somewhat becoming a niche.

There's a free one from Microsoft, or InstallShield LE.

https://visualstudiogallery.msdn.microsoft.com/f1cc3f3e-c300...

http://geekswithblogs.net/TarunArora/archive/2014/04/24/visu...

That said: I use WiX and I find it works adequately.

WiX gets the job done, but man, does it leak Windows Installer abstractions! You have to understand Windows Installer technology to be effective with WiX. It's definitely not "point-and-click!"

http://wixtoolset.org/

Even though WiX isnt point and click I'm still impressed how easy it is to add uninstalling of old versions with a few lines of XML

> Windows Installer XML Toolset (WiX, pronounced "wicks")

> leaks Windows Installer abstractions

Okay

I quite often think the same. I'd love something similar to Cake [0] but then for installers. Copy file to xyz. Shortcut here. Run this method (CustomActions) only if (conditions) etc.

I think the problem might lie in the MSI troubles, where WiX sort off treads in the middle (a bit abstracted, but at the same time you often have to peek into the MSI's and a lot of similar lingo), a C#/other version would abstract maybe a bit too much of something that is quite difficult.

[0]: http://cakebuild.net/

Advanced Installer has been pretty good at making MSIs for over 10 years now. Easy to use, updated often, lately with AppV and AppX support.

Not open source though and the free version is not full-featured.