MSI
Abbreviation with 3 meanings
| Stands for | Microsoft Installer package |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 3 |
| Categories | Technology & Computing, Education & Academia, Organizations & Companies |
MSI has three meanings. The most common are Microsoft Installer package (file format) and Minority-serving institution (academic); it can also stand for Micro-Star International.
Meanings of MSI at a glance
| # | MSI stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Microsoft Installer package | Technology & Computing › File Format |
| 2 | Minority-serving institution | Education & Academia › Academic |
| 3 | Micro-Star International | Organizations & Companies › Company and Brand |
1. Microsoft Installer package
Technology & Computing · File Format Abbreviations
Windows Installer package file, a database of files, registry settings and installation instructions that Windows uses to install, repair and uninstall software in a standardized way. IT departments prefer MSIs for silent, scripted deployment.
Example: Push the MSI to all laptops with msiexec /i app.msi /qn so it installs silently.
Windows Installer debuted in 1999, first used to install Office 2000. MSI packages support rollback if installation fails and can be deployed through Group Policy, Intune or Configuration Manager. Patches use the .msp extension. MSI is also the name of Taiwanese hardware maker Micro-Star International.
2. Minority-serving institution
Education & Academia · Academic Abbreviations
Umbrella term for US colleges that receive federal designation because of their history or the share of minority students they enroll, including HBCUs, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, tribal colleges, and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.
Example: The grant program is open only to MSIs and community colleges.
Most MSI categories are defined in Titles III and V of the Higher Education Act. Together they enroll a large share of the country's students of color. Some categories are based on enrollment thresholds and also require a minimum share of low-income students.
3. Micro-Star International
Organizations & Companies · Company and Brand Abbreviations
Taiwanese computer hardware company making gaming laptops, motherboards, graphics cards and monitors. Headquartered in New Taipei City.
Example: He built his gaming PC around an MSI motherboard and graphics card.
Founded in 1986 by a group of five engineers. The company became a major brand among PC gamers in the 2000s and 2010s. Its dragon logo appears on its gaming products.
Related abbreviations
More file format abbreviations
- MOV – QuickTime Movie
- MP3 – MPEG-1 Audio Layer III
- MP4 – MPEG-4 Part 14
- MPEG – Moving Picture Experts Group
- MSIX – MSIX app package
- NEF – Nikon Electronic Format
- OBJ – Wavefront object file
- ODF – OpenDocument Format
See all 125 file format abbreviations →