MSIX is a brand new packaging format created by Microsoft. MSIX combines the features of the installer format used by Store apps and the classic MSI file packaging format. The new MSIX format supports all types of Windows apps including Desktop apps (Win32), .NET apps and Store (UWP) apps which used AppX.
According to Microsoft, the MSIX package format
- Inherits UWP features.
- Supports application customization.
- Has more container security options.
- Supports all Windows applications.
MSIX also succeeds the packaging and distribution format used by App-V. Also, this format can be a replacement for the Desktop App Converter project, which allows packaging classic Win32 apps for deployment via the Microsoft Store. Like Desktop App Converter, MSIX apps can have differential (delta) updates, and they are easy to install and remove. When you are uninstalling such an app, all its components will be removed leaving no extra data on your computer. But the price you pay is a notably bigger size of the app package.
MSIX Packaging Tool enables you to update your existing win32 application packages to the MSIX format. You can run your desktop installers through this tool and obtain an MSIX package that you can install on your machine and upload to the Microsoft Store.
The first flight for the MSIX Packaging Tool Insider Program is now available.
The February Insider Program Release v1.2019.226.0 includes a number of new features and a quality improvements driven from user feedback.
Key features of the MSIX Packaging Tool app version v1.2019.226.0:
- Ability to convert app on a remote machine
- Improved file management experience in package editor
- Auto versioning recommendations when saving in Package Editor
In addition there bug fixes reported from Feedback Hub, the Tech Community, and other customer feedback to improve the packaging tool experience.
More release details can be found here. You can join its Insider Program here.
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