Tips to open MSU file

Can't open the MSU file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MSU files as well as a list of programs that support MSU files.

MSU file extension

File Name Windows Vista Update Package
File Developer Microsoft
File Category Misc Files

The MSU file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MSU files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MSU file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 4
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MSU file?

The file in the MSU format belongs to the Misc Files category. The creator of this file is Microsoft. Misc Files consists of 6033 similar files. Windows Vista Update Package is most often found on 1 operating systems. These systems consist of Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the MSU file. The Microsoft Windows 8, Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows 7 programs will also handle the file when the Microsoft Windows Update program does not fulfill its role.

How to open MSU file?

An often recurring problem with Windows Vista Update Package is that MSU is not associated with the correct program file. This is manifested by the fact that MSU files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MSU file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Windows Update

In this case, you should first verify that the Microsoft Windows Update application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name Microsoft Windows Update in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file MSU with Microsoft Windows Update. Below you will find a list of applications that support MSU files.

Step 2. Create association of Microsoft Windows Update with MSU files

If, despite the installed application, the MSU file does not start in the Microsoft Windows Update application, you must create a file association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the Microsoft Windows Update application as the default for handling the MSU file.

Step 3. Update Microsoft Windows Update to the latest version

If, however, after binding Microsoft Windows Update with Windows Vista Update Package there were still problems, you should update the program to the latest version.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MSU file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This suggests truncating the MSU file contents when downloading or copying. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The computer may have fallen victim to a computer virus or hacker. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file MSU or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover MSU files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MSU file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for the failure. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MSU files.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file MSU except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
The operating system protects files in some locations (e.g. the root of the system partition) against unauthorized access. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the MSU file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file MSU to close. Some anti-virus or backup software may occupy the MSU file for a certain period of time. If this does not work either, restart the device.