How to Share and Install C# Application on Another Computer as executable file

Introduction

This article covers how to install, modify, and uninstall the c# application project as a .exe file on a local machine. This article also covers the steps to share this executable file with other machines and how to install and uninstall the file, also how to run it to see the output. So without any further due, Let's get started!

If you want to read about how to create a .exec file, read the below article before proceeding with this one.How to Generate a Standalone Executable File from C# Project in Visual Studio 2022.

Pre-requisites

• Need an Executable file (if not, get it using the above article link)

Implementation

• Be ready with the executable file you wish to have, as shown below.
• Inside the published folder, you will find the standalone executable file (.exe) for your C# project.
  

Part 1. Install the executable file on the local machine.

• Double-tap on the setup.exec file, which is shown on the below screen.
• Click to install, and you can get the output in the console running.
• You can check the control panel -> programs and features to see this exe file get installed with some version information, as shown in the below screenshots.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• The above image is the final output for installing the exe file on a local machine.

Part 2. Modify the executable file to see an updation in the executable file version.

• I've modified the code in Program.cs file as shown below and again build the project to publish the code.
  
  
• Run the executable file to see updates in output by double-tap on the setup.exe file
  
• you can see the version changes in the control panel -> programs and features apps as shown below.
  

Part 3. Uninstall the Executable file.

• It's a usual process by going to the control panel -> programs and features -> select an app to uninstall -> select "Uninstall" and click ok.
  

Part 4. Install, Uninstall Executable files in another system/ machine.

• Share all the files under the bin\publish\ folder path as a Zip file to your target system via email, teams chat, drive, or google drive as you wish.
• Un-zip the file and repeat the steps from part 1,2,3 as needed.

Challenges faced

Remember, sharing only the setup.exe file alone gives the below error in the screen of the target machine while installing or running the setup.exe file. So make all files inside publish folder as zip and transfer. 

Benefits of EXE files

• Easy execution.
• Portability.
• Independence from dependencies.
• Standalone operation.
• Security (with digital signatures).

Disadvantages of EXE files

• Platform dependency.
• Limited source code accessibility.
• Potential security risks.
• Lack of cross-platform compatibility.
• Update and maintenance challenges.

I hope this article will help you to use the executable file easily. Share your valuable comments.

Happy Learning.