Differences in MSIX Package Behavior between Windows 10 LTSC and Windows 11

Question

What factors determine how the system recognizes two MSIX packages as different applications?

I have a software application distributed through two channels: the Microsoft Store and sideload installation. The only difference between the MSIX packages for these two channels is the signer. The Microsoft Store package is signed by the Microsoft Store, while the sideload package is signed using SignPath.

On Windows 11, the two packages can coexist without any issues; the system treats them as separate applications with different data directories. However, on Windows 10 LTSC, I encounter the following error when trying to install both versions:"Cannot install package 37126GoldenPotato137.PotatoVN_1.7.3_x64_wbnnev551gwxy because a different package 37126GoldenPotato137.PotatoVN_1.7.2_x64_8vtbc0gbd4jey with the same name is already installed."

Why does this behavior differ between Windows 11 and Windows 10? What are the specific conditions under which the system determines whether two MSIX packages are treated as the same or different applications?

Thank you in advance for any insights or assistance!

Answer 1

Hello mingdong xie,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

The difference in MSIX package behavior between Windows 10 LTSC and Windows 11 is due to enhancements and changes in how MSIX packages are handled in the newer operating system. Here are some key points to understand the differences:

1. Package Identity and Versioning:

• Windows 11: Windows 11 has improved support for handling multiple versions of the same application. It allows different versions of an MSIX package to coexist by treating them as separate applications with distinct data directories.

• Windows 10 LTSC: In Windows 10 LTSC, the system enforces stricter rules on package identity and versioning. It does not allow multiple versions of the same package to be installed simultaneously if they share the same package name and publisher ID.

2. Shared Package Containers:

• Windows 11: Introduces features like shared package containers, which allow different versions of an application to share common resources while maintaining separate data directories.

• Windows 10 LTSC: Lacks support for shared package containers, leading to conflicts when trying to install multiple versions of the same package.

3. Mutable Package Directories:

• Windows 11: Supports mutable package directories, which enable applications to modify their installation directory without affecting other versions.

• Windows 10 LTSC: Does not support mutable package directories, resulting in installation conflicts.

Reference:

MSIX features and supported platforms - MSIX | Microsoft Learn

I hope the information above is helpful.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to let us know.

Best Regards,

Daisy Zhou

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