How to use Widgets for Windows Desktop applications?

Question

I am trying to build a windows desktop application (C++) in unpackaged mode (as a single executable). I want the application to support widgets.

I tried following the steps mentioned here. It however required me to package the application in a UWP project (this is mentioned as a prerequisite).

However, I prefer having a standalone desktop style executable. Is it possible to achieve this without UWP artefacts?

Answer 1

Hi @Smit Himanshu Shah ，

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

I am trying to build a windows desktop application (C++) in unpackaged mode (as a single executable). I want the application to support widgets.

It is stated in the document that currently only packaged apps can be registered as widget providers.

It however required me to package the application in a UWP project (this is mentioned as a prerequisite).

Your project is still a windows desktop application, not packaged into a UWP project, your project is packaged as an MSIX project.

However, I prefer having a standalone desktop style executable. Is it possible to achieve this without UWP artefacts?

It is not possible at present, it is recommended that you follow the steps in the document Implement a widget provider in a win32 app (C++/WinRT) to create your widget.

Thank you.

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