GenerateExecutable – Windows Build Guide

This project uses JetBrains Compose Multiplatform to build a Windows desktop application packaged as an .msi or .exe installer.
Once packaged, the installer includes a bundled Java runtime, so the end user does not need to install Java separately.

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1. Prerequisites

Before building for Windows, make sure you have:

1. Full JDK 17 or later installed

   • Recommended: Eclipse Temurin JDK or Oracle JDK.
   • The JDK must include jpackage.exe (bundled in standard JDKs 14+).

2. Gradle JDK setting in Android Studio pointing to your full JDK:

   • Go to File → Settings → Build, Execution, Deployment → Build Tools → Gradle.
   • Change Gradle JDK to your installed JDK (e.g., Eclipse Temurin 21).
   • Do not use Android Studio's bundled JBR — it does not contain jpackage.

3. Windows machine or VM

   • Windows packaging must be done on Windows because jpackage generates Windows-specific installers.

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2. Packaging the App

Build MSI installer

.\gradlew :composeApp:packageMsi

The .msi file will be created at:

composeApp/build/compose/binaries/main/msi/

Build EXE installer (optional)

In build.gradle.kts:

targetFormats(TargetFormat.Exe, TargetFormat.Msi)

Then run:

.\gradlew :composeApp:createDistributable

The .exe will be in:

composeApp/build/compose/binaries/main/exe/

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3. Installing the App

• Run the .msi or .exe file.

• By default, the app is installed to:

  C:\Program Files\<packageName>\
  

• To find it:

  • Search for the app name in the Start Menu.
  • Or open Control Panel → Programs and Features (or Settings → Apps in Win11).

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4. Adding Shortcuts and Start Menu Entries

In your build.gradle.kts, inside nativeDistributions:

windows {
    menu = true
    menuGroup = "Generate Executable Apps"
    shortcut = true
}

This will:

• Add a Start Menu entry.
• Optionally create a desktop shortcut.

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5. Notes

• End users do not need Java installed — the installer bundles the required runtime.

• File sizes are larger because of the embedded JRE.

• If you see jpackage.exe is missing:

  • You are still using Android Studio's JBR.
  • Fix by installing a full JDK and switching Gradle to use it.

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Author: Ralph Maron Eda