The downloaded .exe is a bootstrapper. To obtain the raw 64-bit MSI (useful for offline deployment or SCCM), follow these steps:
Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server is a set of integrated technologies that make it easier to build, scale, and manage Web and composite applications. While the technology is considered legacy (reaching the end of mainstream support in 2016), it remains a critical dependency for many enterprise applications, particularly those built on SharePoint Server 2013, SharePoint Server 2016, and older WCF/WF services.
This write-up details the necessary steps to locate the correct 64-bit MSI installer, install the prerequisites (specifically the Windows Server Manager component), and execute the installation.
When searching for "appfabric 1.1 for windows server 64 msi download," you will find dozens of third-party download aggregators (e.g., Softpedia, CNET, DLL-files). Proceed with extreme caution. Many of these sites bundle adware, outdated versions, or corrupted binaries.
You can download it from the Microsoft Download Center archive at:
https://download.microsoft.com/download/A/6/7/A678AB47-3A2E-41EE-86B1-9FCCED6D2E16/WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe
(Always verify the checksum after download)
Before downloading, ensure your environment matches these requirements:
| Requirement | Specification |
| :--- | :--- |
| OS | Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, 2012, or 2012 R2 (64-bit only) |
| RAM | Minimum 4 GB |
| .NET Framework | .NET 3.5 SP1 and .NET 4.5 / 4.5.1 |
| PowerShell | PowerShell 2.0 or 3.0 |
| Architecture | x64 (x86 is not supported for server roles) |
Do not attempt to install AppFabric 1.1 on Windows Server 2016 or newer – it is unsupported and will likely break.
Don’t let a missing installer halt your server migration or disaster recovery. Use the link above to grab the 64-bit installer, and remember to check for Cumulative Updates post-installation.
Need help with the installation logs?
If the installer fails, check the log files usually located in %TEMP% or %ProgramData%\Microsoft\AppFabric\Logs. The most common failure is missing Windows features prerequisites.
The primary download for Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server (64-bit) is provided as an executable (.exe) rather than a direct .msi file. However, you can extract the .msi packages from the installer for specific administrative needs. Direct Download Links (Official Microsoft)
Base Installer (64-bit): You can download the core Windows Server AppFabric 1.1 installer directly from Microsoft. Cumulative Updates: appfabric 1.1 for windows server 64 msi download
Cumulative Update 7 (CU7): Available at the Official Microsoft Download Center.
Hotfix KB3199763: Contains the latest hosting service bug fixes. How to Extract the .MSI Files
If you specifically need the .msi for automated deployment or troubleshooting, follow these steps to extract them from the .exe: Open a Command Prompt.
Run the downloaded installer with the /extract or /? flag (e.g., WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /?). When the Setup Wizard appears, do not close it.
Navigate to your boot drive (usually C:\) and look for a temporary folder with a random name (e.g., C:\ced4e5...).
Inside that folder, go to the packages subfolder to find the various .msi files.
Copy these files to a permanent location before closing the setup wizard. Requirements & Compatibility
Supported OS: Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012, and Windows Server 2008 R2.
Prerequisites: Requires Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 to be installed prior to applying cumulative updates.
Microsoft AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server is a set of integrated technologies designed to help build, scale, and manage web and composite applications running on IIS. It provides out-of-the-box management and monitoring infrastructure for workflows and services, as well as a highly scalable in-memory application cache. Direct Download Links (x64)
While many official Microsoft download pages have been archived or moved, the following direct links and official update pages provide the necessary installer files:
Main Installer (x64 EXE): WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe The downloaded
Latest Cumulative Update (CU 7): Download CU 7 (KB3092423) - Official Microsoft
Alternative Cumulative Update (CU 1): Cumulative Update Package 1 - Official Microsoft How to Extract the MSI File
If your environment specifically requires the .msi format for deployment (such as via Group Policy or SCCM), you can extract it from the executable setup file using these steps:
Run with Help Flag: Open a Command Prompt as administrator and run the installer with the /? option: WindowServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /?.
Locate Temporary Files: Leave the Setup Wizard dialog box open when it appears. Navigate to your root boot drive (usually C:\) and look for a newly created temporary folder with a random name (e.g., C:\ced4e5c208...).
Copy the Package: Inside this temporary folder, look for a "packages" subfolder. This folder contains the underlying .msi files used for the installation. Copy this folder to a permanent location before closing the wizard. Important Support Status AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server - Microsoft Lifecycle
AppFabric 1.1 for Windows Server is a deprecated middleware technology primarily used for caching and hosting Windows Workflow Foundation (WF) and Windows Communication Foundation (WCF) services. While Microsoft officially ended mainstream support for AppFabric 1.1 on April 11, 2017, and extended support on April 12, 2022, the software is still relevant for maintaining legacy environments like SharePoint Server 2013, 2016, and 2019. Downloading the 64-bit Installer
The 64-bit MSI (packaged as an .exe wrapper) can still be obtained through official and mirrored sources, though Microsoft has retired several direct landing pages.
Primary Installer: Historically, the main installer was titled WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe.
Cumulative Updates: To ensure a stable installation, you must apply the latest updates after the base install. Cumulative Update 7 (KB3092423) is one of the final major patches available at the Official Microsoft Download Center.
Hotfixes: The most recent maintenance release is Hotfix KB3199763, published as recently as July 2024 to address specific hosting service bugs. Installation Requirements & Tips
Installing AppFabric on modern operating systems like Windows Server 2016 or 2019 often requires manual intervention due to its older architecture. When searching for "appfabric 1
OS Compatibility: It natively supports Windows Server 2008 SP2, 2008 R2, and 2012.
Dependencies: You must have .NET Framework 4.5 installed before applying updates.
Common Errors: A frequent issue is Error 1603, which often occurs during SharePoint prerequisite installation. A common workaround involves moving the .exe to the C:/ drive and running it via PowerShell with specific flags:.\WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe /i CacheClient,CachingService,CacheAdmin /gac. Strategic Alternatives
Because AppFabric has reached its End of Life (EOL), Microsoft strongly recommends migrating new and existing applications to modern alternatives:
Redis on Windows: The preferred replacement for the distributed in-memory application cache.
Azure Redis Cache: For organizations moving workloads to the cloud.
Are you looking to install AppFabric for a SharePoint environment, or are you managing a custom legacy .NET application?
While the original Microsoft Download Center links are deprecated, the files are preserved in the Microsoft Download Center archive.
File Name: WindowsServerAppFabricSetup_x64.exe
Version: 1.1.2106.32
Size: Approximately 16-20 MB
🔗 Click Here to Access the Official Microsoft Download Center Entry
(Note: On the download page, ensure you select the x64 version from the download options list. Do not download the x86 version unless you are specifically running a 32-bit environment, which is rare for server applications.)
Do you still maintain AppFabric, BizTalk, or older versions of SharePoint? Let me know in the comments below.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for educational and archival purposes. Always verify that you have proper licensing rights for Microsoft software.
