The latest build (v1.2022.1003.0) of the MSIX Packaging Tool is now available. We've added new features with this release to reduce the effort during repackaging. Here is a rundown of the major improvements in the latest release, which you can download from the Microsoft Store.
- MPT–PSF Integration (via MPT command-line interface)
- Additional capabilities
MPT – PSF Integration (via command-line interface)
The Package Support Framework (PSF) is an open-source kit that helps you apply fixes to your existing desktop applications when you don't have access to source code, so that it can run in a MSIX container.
Previously, once the required PSF Fix was identified, applying the PSF Fixups meant you had to unpack the converted application, download the latest PSF files, add the required PSF files and fixes in the unpacked application, make changes to the manifest file, and, finally, recreate the MSIX package using the modified files.
Now, with the latest version of the MSIX Packaging Tool, all these steps can be automated.
Simply put the required fixups in the PSFConfig file (config.json):
{
"applications": [
{
"id": "MYEMPLOYEES",
"executable": "VFS\\ProgramFilesX86\\Contoso\\MyEmployees\\MyEmployees.exe",
"workingDirectory": "VFS\\ProgramFilesX86\\Contoso\\MyEmployees\\",
"stopOnScriptError": true,
"startScript": {
"scriptPath": "ModeChangePreLaunch.ps1",
"runInVirtualEnvironment": true,
"showWindow": true,
"waitForScriptToFinish": true,
"runOnce": true
}
}
],
"processes": [
{
"executable": "MyEmployees",
"fixups": [
{
"dll": "FileRedirectionFixup.dll",
"config": {
"redirectedPaths": {
"knownFolders": [
{
"id": "ProgramFilesX86",
"relativePaths": [
{
"base": "Contoso\\MyEmployees",
"patterns": [
".*\\.txt"
]
}
]
}
]
}
}
}
]
}
]
}
Then execute the following command:
msixpackagingtool create-package –template <path to xml template file> --psfConfigPath <path to config.json>
Note: psfConfigPath is an optional parameter for the MSIX Packaging Tool command-line interface (CLI)
We support automatic inclusion of the following PSF Fixups with this release:
- FileRedirectionFixup
- DynamicLibraryFixup
- EnvVarFixup
- ElectronFixup
For more details on the Package Support Framework, see Get started with the Package Support Framework.
Capabilities
Capabilities are used to access certain Windows APIs or resources, such as pictures and music, or devices, such as cameras or microphones. Capabilities are used by UWP apps as well as other types of desktop apps that are packaged in an MSIX or AppX package for Windows.
With this release, we have added 14 new capabilities to the MSIX Packaging Tool, giving you access to additional flexibility and control.
Upcoming features (Insider Preview)
Lastly, for today's recap, making edits to configurations post conversion is about to get easier. Navigate to the package editor and right click on the text file you need to modify. You will see an 'Edit' option in the context menu to help you make modifications faster. No longer will you need to follow the path of unpackaging, editing, and repackaging to make modifications post-conversion.
We are already working on the next version. If you have a feature ask, you can submit ideas in the MSIX Tech Community or via the Feedback Hub. If you are interested in checking out the new features we are building, make sure to join our MSIX Packaging Tool Insider Program today!