Windows command reference
msiexec — install MSI with verbose log
Run one MSI installation attempt while writing a verbose Windows Installer log that can be correlated with the exact failure code and provided to the software publisher or IT.
Risk: LowReviewed: 2026-09-17
msiexec.exe /i "C:\Path\Application.msi" /L*V "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\msi-install.log"When to use it
Use only for a trusted MSI package when the visible error is insufficient and a detailed Windows Installer log is justified.
When not to use it
The log can contain local paths, usernames, properties and product information. Review it before sharing and do not use logging as a reason to repeatedly rerun a failing installer.
Primary reference