New MSIX package format supports Win32 packages for Microsoft Store and more
March 7th was Microsoft's Windows Developer Day for 2018, and it brought with it multiple announcements pertaining to the operating system. One of the easiest to overlook while also carrying the potential to change things up for the Microsoft Store and other app storefronts is the introduction of the MSIX file packaging format.
Designed as a bridge between apps and MSI installers, MSIX will support all Windows application types, including WinForm, WPF, Win32, and UWP, the last of which has been the de facto format for applications on the Microsoft Store. With MSIX supporting both the Microsoft Store and any other storefront, this will, in theory, allow popular Win32 exclusive applications to find their way on to multiple curated storefronts and find more exposure to casual computer users that rely on app storefronts for content.
The MSIX format has been open sourced by Microsoft, and has a dedicated GitHub page for its SDK.
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MSIX Packaging SDK on AlternativeTo
- Free • Open Source
- Mac
- Windows
- Linux
- Android
- iPhone
- Android Tablet
- iPad
The MSIX Packaging SDK project is an effort to enable developers on a variety of platforms to pack and unpack packages for the purposes of distribution from either the Microsoft Store, or their own content distribution networks.