# Podman 6: New Dual-Purpose MSI Installer Explained

DevFeed: [Podman 6: New Dual-Purpose MSI Installer Explained](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/podman-6-new-dual-purpose-msi-installer-explained-12849.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://blog.podman.io/2026/07/podman-6-new-dual-purpose-msi-installer-explained/>)

Author: Mario Loriedo

Published: 2026-07-15T09:19:06Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [blog.podman.io](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/blog-podman-io.md>)

Topics: [podman](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/podman.md>), [Windows](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/windows.md>), [virtualization](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/virtualization.md>), [Windows Subsystem for Linux](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/wsl.md>)

Tags: [architecture](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/architecture.md>), [articles](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/articles.md>), [blog](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/blog.md>), [ci-cd](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ci-cd.md>), [compatibility](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/compatibility.md>), [improvements](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/improvements.md>), [installation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/installation.md>), [new-feature](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/new-feature.md>), [podman](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/podman.md>), [podman-machine](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/podman-machine.md>), [virtualization](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/virtualization.md>), [windows](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/windows.md>)

## AI overview

Podman 6 introduces a dual-purpose MSI installer for Windows. It defaults to per-user installation without administrative privileges, while still supporting per-machine installation. The redesign separates virtualization setup from the installer, improving reliability and simplifying maintenance. Users upgrading from older EXE-based versions must uninstall the previous version first, but Podman data and machine configurations are preserved.

## Source excerpt

Podman 6 introduces a revamped Windows installer, allowing users to install without administrative privileges, simplifying enterprise usage. The transition to a Dual-Purpose MSI package improves reliability by separating virtualization setup from the installer. Additionally, compatibility with community package managers like Scoop and Chocolatey enhances user experience. Feedback is encouraged for further improvements.