How to make an installation (.exe) file?

Question

C++ / C#

Hello, I have a program (.exe) now I need to make an installer for it (like Install Wizzard or something like that). What are ready-made solutions for such situations, or how to do it yourself?

Answer 1

wix . Free, simple (xml), a lot of examples on the net (codeplex.com to help), support for msi, exe, their own shells. And most importantly, it is used in Microsoft itself (Visual Studio 2012/2013 installers use it, for example).

Answer 2

For C# and .NET applications, the easiest option is publishing via ClickOnce. It is done through the project properties.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/71baz9ah.aspx
However, there are limitations and should be clearly understood http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/e2444w33.aspx

Answer 3

I join the advice of Smilleey. The easiest way is to use Inno Setup. The average installer is done in a few mouse clicks. If you need something more free (Inno Setup is free for non-commercial use only) or more powerful, try NSIS. He is more difficult. For simplicity, it can be used in conjunction with Venis.