Hi,we need to package a .NET desktop application and a COM add-in which extends Microsoft Office applications using MSIX. What technology does MSIX and Desktop Bridge have to support creating such packages? Our app and library currently defines two COM classes which must be registered in user registry and integration with MS Office apps requires us to write to registry at HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Office\AppName\Addins

Why is this feature request not being implemented? This is super easy to be done on MSIX part (to declaratively define COM classes - there is already ability to disable virtualization for app packages) and it would be a safe way to create Office add-ins.Instead we are forced to escape sandbox and create our own solutions to a problem which should not exists in the first place.

Dian Hartono any updates on this?

Pollewops Bumping to @Naveen_Nooka as Dian hasn't been active here for a while (may have moved on?)

Hi John Vintzel,Any update already about MSIX and Office 365 COM/Automation addins ?

Is there an update to this? Microsoft are separately telling people that MSIX is ready for mainstream adoption - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-events/msix-and-app-attach-made-easy/ev-p/3971565But aren't prepared to back the new MSIX format with one of their own key application suites - this is sending out conflicting messsages to your customers.

Microsoft Office add-in deployment using MSIX

15 Replies

CBullen1
Copper Contributor
Feb 05, 2024
Hi Jozef,
I'm in the same boat. Have you tried using the RegistryWriteVirtualization instruction to disable virtualisation for HKCU/Software/Classes, then having a MSIX-installed exe do the registration of the COM Addin dll as a post-installation step (either by directly writing the COM registry entries you need, or calling regasm)?
Dian Hartono
Microsoft
Feb 03, 2021
Hi Jozef Izso, Windows and Office are working hard to enable M365 Apps (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel) to be packaged and delivered in MSIX format with the same full extensibility that customer enjoy in Click-to-Run and MSI. When the time comes, we’ll communicate details and timelines as to when you will be able to package MSIX Office add-ins.
- CraigDK
  Iron Contributor
  Dec 06, 2023
  Is there an update to this? Microsoft are separately telling people that MSIX is ready for mainstream adoption - https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-events/msix-and-app-attach-made-easy/ev-p/3971565
  
  But aren't prepared to back the new MSIX format with one of their own key application suites - this is sending out conflicting messsages to your customers.
- Pollewops
  Iron Contributor
  Oct 31, 2023
  Hi Dian Hartono any update on this?
  Naveen_Nooka
  - Pollewops
    Iron Contributor
    Dec 05, 2023
    Pollewops jvintzel John Vintzel @Dian Hartono
    @Naveen_Nooka
    any update on this?
- Jozef Izso
  Iron Contributor
  Feb 06, 2021
  Dian Hartono What's the timeframe for this? We have lots of customers who's IT departments will prefer or require MSIX deployment over MSI.
  - jvintzel
    Former Employee
    Feb 10, 2021
    Jozef Izso We understand your excitement for this ask. Unfortunately this is all we can disclose and are unable to provide more timelines at this time. Please follow Office and MSIX blog for a formal announcement as more becomes available.
    
    John Vintzel (@jvintzel)
    PM Lead, MSIX

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Microsoft Office add-in deployment using MSIX

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