---
title: MSI vs. Chrome Extension Installation (for Your End Users)
description: Learn whether the MSI installer or Chrome extension is best for installing Vim Connect based on your end users' devices. Get step-by-step setup guidance for a smooth experience.
---

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# MSI vs. Chrome Extension Installation (for Your End Users)

![Vim](https://developerportal.getvim.com/hs-fs/hubfs/vim%20icon.png?width=45&name=vim%20icon.png) 

[Vim](https://developerportal.getvim.com/developer-portal/author/vim)

Not sure whether a practice should use the MSI installer or Chrome extension for Vim Connect? This article helps you decide based on the devices the practice’s end users have. You'll get clear, step-by-step guidance to support a smooth setup experience for your practice.

---

### Choose the Best Installation Method

Vim Connect can be installed in two main ways: **MSI** for Windows devices and **Chrome Extension** for Mac. Use this guide to choose the right method for your customers.

---

### 🖥 MSI Installer (Windows)

**Best for:** End users with **Windows desktop PCs or laptops**

Key features:

- **Automatic updates**: The MSI allows Vim to push updates without manual intervention.
- **Broad compatibility**: Works with self-hosted, Citrix-hosted (e.g. NextGen), and web-based EHRs (e.g. Athena, Elation, Practice Fusion).
- **Flexible deployment**: Supports both manual installs and remote deployments for IT-managed environments.

Practice setup tips:

- The **practice champion** installing the MSI must have **admin privileges** on the user's device.
- If the practice uses a **third-party IT provider**, they should be included on implementation calls.
- For larger orgs with internal/remote IT, consider **remote deployment** options.

Helpful practice resources:

- [Vim's MSI Guide](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/installing-vim-connect-on-your-pc-msi-installer)
- [Vim's MSI Installation Video](https://www.loom.com/share/581302eabcd6452c9ac27686f4c06a25?sid=70ba606f-aa92-4d7b-b022-bd9640b5662d)
- [Basic Troubleshooting Guide](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/troubleshooting-common-vim-connect-issues)
- [In-app Support Feature](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/how-to-use-the-in-app-support-feature-in-vim-connect)

---

### 🍎 Chrome Extension (Mac)

**Best for:** End users with **Mac devices or Chromebooks**

Key features:

- **Lightweight install**: Chrome extension offers an easy way for Mac users to access Vim.
- **MSI alternative**: Ideal when the MSI installer can’t be used.

Practice setup tips:

- Ensure users are using the **Chrome browser** on their device.
- No admin privileges required for installation.

Helpful resources:

- [Guide for MACs & Chromebooks](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/installing-vim-connect-on-a-mac)
- [Video Guide for MAC's & Chromebooks](https://www.loom.com/share/033b4fa29990472aa81401c727a2b843?sid=d477f63d-c571-46e6-86b0-8e03fc0a2428)
- [Basic Troubleshooting Guide](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/troubleshooting-common-vim-connect-issues)
- [In-app Support Feature](https://knowledgebase.getvim.com/home/how-to-use-the-in-app-support-feature-in-vim-connect)

---

### ✅ Quick Comparison

|   | **MSI (Windows)** | **Extension (Mac/Chromebook)** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Best for** | Windows desktops/laptops | Mac devices, Chromebooks |
| **Updates** | Automatic via Vim | Chrome-managed |
| **EHR Compatibility** | Self-hosted, Citrix, Web-based | Web-based only |
| **Admin Access** | Required | Not required |
| **Remote Deployment** | Supported | Not applicable |

---

### Common Questions

**Can we use both MSI and the extension in the same organization?** Yes! You can mix and match based on your users' devices.

**Do we need to uninstall the MSI to use the extension?**No. The two methods are independent - use the installation method best suited for each user’s setup.

---

 

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