Windows 10: MSIX Specifications

Super JMN · Mar 13, 2025 at 3:32 PM

Hello community. I'd like to know the specifics of the MSIX format, especially how the AppxBlockMap.xml is created. I know the container is actually a zip64, but I ignore how the entries are stored. Is each file compressed normally or compressed block by block, like each block is independent? Thanks A lot!

:)

Aditya_Roy · Mar 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM

MSIX Crashes...

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

We understand the difficulties you are facing with the MSIX, while repackaging the apps.

In this regard, we would suggest you to post your query in
TechNet forums, where we have experts and support professionals
who are well equipped with the knowledge MSIX to assist you with the appropriate troubleshooting steps.

Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

Brink · Mar 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM

What is new in MSIX for October 2023

The latest Insiders build of MSIX Packaging tool (v1.2023.1005.0) is now available. In this release, we’ve added features to make the conversion process simpler. Here’s a rundown of the major improvements, which you can download from the Microsoft Store.

PSF – MPT integration (via GUI)

Package Analyzer

PSF – MPT integration (via GUI) In the earlier versions of the tool, we allowed injecting Package Support Framework (PSF) scripts into the package via the MSIX Packaging Tool (MPT) command line. Taking feedback from the community around the complexity involved with configuring these PSF fixups, we’re now enabling addition of PSF fixups from MSIX Packaging Tool GUI! For fixes you know you need to apply, use the GUI and configure the required parameters. The tool automates the config. generation process, eliminating the need for manual edits and the potential for human errors! You’ll find the PSF Fixups Tab in the Package Editor flow of the tool. For example, Photoviewer is a sample app that has been successfully converted to MSIX, but it fails to launch because, due to MSIX restrictions, it tries to write into package folder. The solution to this issue is through PSF by applying File Redirection Fixup:

Select the Application ID as present in the manifest. The Executable Path will be populated automatically.

Select Fixup type as File Redirection Fixup.

Now, in the right pane, select Package Relative as the Redirect Type.

Fill in the other mandatory fields, like base path and patterns, that you want to redirect.

You can review the configurations applied by clicking on Preview config.json, located at the bottom of the screen. The tool also allows you to select another fixup and apply it in the same flow.

Click on Save to select if you wish to increment the versioning for your package and save it in the location of your choice.

Here are the fixups supported in the current preview:

Working Directory

Command Line Arguments

PowerShell Start/End Script

In Package Context

File Redirection Fixup

Reg Legacy Fixup

For more details about the metadata required for these fixups, refer to our MSIX-PackageSupportFramwork repo on GitHub. To learn more about this feature, see Microsoft Learn. Package Analyzer Debugging post-conversion issues is often tedious and requires both time and effort, especially for folks new to MSIX. To simplify this process, we’re introducing Package Analyzer in the MSIX Packaging Tool. This feature offers runtime analysis of a MSIX package, identifies potential problems, and offers suggestions to resolve these identified issues. By facilitating the analysis of the package with one simple button, the tool detects and applies the selected fix, streamlining the conversion process. To try this feature, navigate to the Package Analyzer tab in the Package Editor flow of the MSIX Packaging Tool and follow these simple steps:

Select the package of your choice and sign the app with a certificate (this is a required step in the current Preview).

Navigate to Package Analyzer tab and select Analyze Package.

Play around with the app functionalities as the tool continues to monitor the package in the background.

Once you’re comfortable with testing the application, select the Stop Analysis button in the tool. If there are problems encountered with the package, the tool will show the detected problems and possible remediation approaches.

Click on Save to apply and watch the magic come live!

The following fixup suggestions are supported in the current release:

RegLegacyFixups(PSF)

Installed location Virtualization

SearchPathoverride

To learn more about this feature, see Analyze and resolve runtime issues. Once again, we thank the community members for helping shape the future of MSIX. Please do continue to provide your inputs via the Feedback Hub. If you have a feature ask you can submit ideas in the MSIX Tech Community. If you’re interested in checking out the new features join the MSIX Packaging Tool Insider Program today!
Click to expand...

Source: https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/...3/ba-p/3958330

Brink · Mar 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM

MSIX Packaging Tool (Preview) now available from Microsoft Store

We are happy to announce that MSIX Packaging Tool (Preview) is now available to from the Microsoft Store. 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 (coming soon).

Prerequisites:

Participation in Windows Insider fast or slow rings

Minimum Windows 10 Build 17701 or later

Administrator privileges on your PC account

A valid MSA alias (to access the app from the Store)

To install MSIX Packaging Tool from Microsoft Store, go here, making sure you are logged in with the MSA that is used for your Windows Insider Program. Next, go to the product description page and click the Install icon to begin the installation.

Remember, this a preview and not all features are supported. Here is what you can expect to be able to do with this preview:

Package your favorite application(msi, exe, App-V 5.x and to MSIX format by launching the tool and selecting "Application package" icon.

Create a modification package for a newly created Application MSIX Package by launching the tool and selecting "Modification package" icon. More detail on modification packages coming shortly.

Open your MSIX package to view and edit its content/properties by navigating to "Open package editor" tab and browsing to the MSIX package and selecting open package.

Features not supported in the tool are currently greyed out. Here are some of highlighted missing features:

Some options in the Settings page, such as adding or removing VFS/VREG and defining a default save location.

Package Support Framework See [link] for more detail on how you can use Package Support Framework today.

Packaging on existing virtual machines. You can still install the Tool on a fresh VM but the tool cannot currently spawn off a conversion from a local machine to an existing VM.

Command Line Interface support

Conversion of App-V 4.6 SP3 packages

The app is automatically update from the Microsoft Store. More features will be available in August as we update the MSIX Packaging Tool (Preview).

How to file feedback:

Launch the MSIX Packaging Tool and select the Settings (gear) icon, then select Feedback. You will be redirected to Feedback Hub where you can file feedback for suggestions or problems and see other feedback items and upvote as necessary.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

When Packaging ClickOnce installers it is necessary to send a shortcut to desktop if the installer is not doing so already. In general, it is good practice to always remember to send a shortcut to desktop for the main app executable.

When creating modification packages, you need to declare the Package Name (Identity Name) of the parent application in the tool UI so that the tool sets the correct package dependency in the manifest of the modification package.

Declaring an installation location field in Package information page is optional but recommended. Make sure that this path matches the installation location of application Installer.

Performing the preparation steps in Prepare Computer page is optional but highly recommended.

Blog Credit: Peyman Zanjani, Program Manager, Microsoft
Click to expand...

Source: MSIX Packaging Tool

Download: MSIX Packaging Tool (Preview) app | Microsoft Store

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