Windows App Development CLI

CLI for Windows app packaging, MSIX creation, certificates, and Microsoft Store deployment across frameworks.

- Initializes projects with SDK setup, manifests, and development certificates; supports .NET, C++, Electron, Rust, Tauri, and cross-platform frameworks

- Creates MSIX packages with optional signing, self-contained runtime bundling, and external catalog management

- Adds temporary package identity to executables for debugging Windows APIs (notifications, Windows AI, shell integration) without full packaging

- Generates and manages AppxManifest.xml files with automatic icon asset generation and qualified name support

- Integrates with Microsoft Store CLI for direct submission, validation, and publishing workflows

Windows App Development CLI

winapp manages Windows SDKs, MSIX packaging, app identity, manifests, certificates, signing, store publishing, and UI automation for any framework targeting Windows (.NET/csproj, C++, Electron, Rust, Tauri, Flutter, etc.). Public preview - subject to change.

Prerequisites

- Windows 10 or later

- Install via one of:

- WinGet: winget install Microsoft.WinAppCli --source winget

- npm (Electron/Node): npm install @microsoft/winappcli --save-dev

- CI: setup-WinAppCli GitHub Action

- Manual: GitHub Releases

Commands