We introduced lots of new options as a part of the Microsoft Technical Takeoff, and we’re glad to share these intimately with you.

A brand new model of the MSIX Packaging Software (v1.2023.1005.0) is now accessible. You’ll be able to obtain it from the Microsoft Retailer. This launch is aimed toward enhancing the conversion expertise for IT admins with Package deal Analyzer, PSF-MPT integration, and plenty of extra options. Moreover, we’re introducing further options in preview, which can be found as a part of the insider construct of MSIX Packaging Software (v1.2023.1114.0).

We’ve got additionally made enhancements to developer options reminiscent of supporting app connect workflows by MSIX ActiveX Knowledge Objects (ADO) plug-ins and including help for modification packages in MSIX app connect. As a bonus, desktop shortcuts for MSIX packages at the moment are accessible!

Common availability of options:

Package deal Assist Framework (PSF)-MSIX Packaging Software integration

Configuring PSF fixups by way of MSIX Packaging Software GUI is now accessible and dwell! The mixing eliminates the necessity for guide edits for including PSF fixups, simplifying the method. Try the PSF fixups tab within the Package deal editor move of the device. Discover extra about this characteristic on the Microsoft study web page.

Screenshot of the PSF fixups choices within the Package deal editor.

Package deal Analyzer

Debugging has by no means been simpler! With Package deal Analyzer characteristic of the MSIX Packaging Software, now typically accessible, you possibly can debug runtime problems with the transformed functions. The device identifies potential issues, suggests the fixups, and auto-applies the chosen fixes.

Screenshot of the Package deal Analyzer tab with two packages chosen.

Desktop shortcuts

One of many requested options from builders is to have desktop shortcuts for MSIX packages. That is now accessible through the use of WinAppSDK 1.4.2.

To configure WinAppSDK in your system, you possibly can observe the under talked about choices:

1. Add dependency for WinAppSDK to the primary MSIX app and set up the app. Newest dependency must be downloaded from the shop and put in on the system.
2. Open the Most important MSIX bundle utilizing Package deal Editor in MSIX Packaging Software.
3. Transfer to the Package deal data tab on the left facet of the device.
4. Scroll down to search out the “open file” choice to edit Manifest file.
5. Add the dependency specified under:

<Dependencies>

<PackageDependency Title=”Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime.1.4″/>

</Dependencies>

6. Set up Win App SDK manually.

Screenshot of the dependency instance highlighted by a pink field.

Options in preview as a part of the Insiders program:

We’re additionally introducing a brand new model of MSIX Packaging Software within the Insiders Program (v1.2023.1114.0). Customers within the Insiders Program get entry to those options.

Automated Accelerator technology

With Accelerators, our goal is to make repeated repackaging occasions less complicated. All of the fixes recognized by Package deal Analyzer can now be saved as an Accelerator file.

MSIX packaging Software can now generate an Accelerator template pre-filled with the fixes detected and utilized by the Package deal Analyzer.

Screenshot of a notification saying a bundle is efficiently created.

As a reminder, Accelerators may be utilized through the create a brand new bundle workflow and robotically utilized to the submit conversion actions outlined within the accelerator.

Screenshot of selecting the Accelerator through the create new bundle workflow.

Deletion markers

MSIX Packaging Software already helps the conversion of App-V packages to MSIX format.

Screenshot of the menu to decide on an installer to bundle with an .appv file highlighted in a pink field.

We’re introducing help for deletion markers in MSIX framework to assist improve the benefit of conversion for App-V packages that use this performance. Deletion markers helps a particular marker that’s created when a registry key’s deleted from a digital surroundings.

To use this,

1. Navigate to Package deal Editor > PSF Fixups.
2. Choose the Utility ID as current within the manifest. The executable path can be populated robotically.
3. Choose Fixup kind as Registry Legacy Fixup.
4. Now, in the correct pane, choose Remediation Sort as Deletion Marker.
5. Choose Hive as HKLM or HKCU and add key worth pair accordingly.
6. Evaluate the configurations utilized by deciding on Preview config.json, positioned on the backside of the display and choose Save.

Screenshot of the Package deal editor with Registry Legacy Fixup chosen.

Modification bundle help in Azure Digital Desktop (AVD)

Modification packages allow you to customise functions. Modification packages labored domestically and on session desktop. We’ve got added help for Modification packages in MSIX app connect! That is at present in preview and may be accessed from the Azure portal.

Customers will be capable of app connect modification packages identical to they app connect functions from the Azure portal or from Home windows PowerShell.

Screenshot of Home windows PowerShell exhibiting the connect utility to AVD and fasten modification bundle.

Whereas these are all of the options that we’re saying at the moment, it’s solely doable by the suggestions of neighborhood members who help shaping the way forward for MSIX. Please do proceed to offer your inputs by way of the Suggestions Hub. When you have a characteristic ask, you possibly can submit concepts within the MSIX Tech Neighborhood. If you happen to’re fascinated by trying out the brand new options, be part of the MSIX Packaging Software Insider Program at the moment!

Completely satisfied holidays and thanks on your curiosity in MSIX!

Proceed the dialog. Discover finest practices. Bookmark the Home windows Tech Neighborhood, then observe us @MSWindowsITPro on X/Twitter. On the lookout for help? Go to Home windows on Microsoft Q&A.