Best Approach for Auto-Updates in a WinUI 3 Application (Non-Microsoft Store)

Question

Hello Microsoft Team,

I am developing a WinUI 3 application that will be distributed outside the Microsoft Store. The application is intended for a global audience, and I need a robust auto-update mechanism to ensure users always have the latest version.

I have explored the sideloading approach with .appinstaller, which provides an auto-update feature. However, I am concerned about whether sideloading is a scalable and recommended solution for a production application with a large global user base.

My Questions:

1️⃣ Can sideloading be used as a reliable solution for production apps with a global audience? 2️⃣ If sideloading is not recommended, what alternative approaches should I consider for implementing auto-updates?
3️⃣ If sideloading is the best option, what precautions and best practices should I follow to ensure stability and security?
4️⃣ Does the choice of hosting server impact the scalability and security of sideloading? If so, what are the recommended hosting configurations for large-scale deployments?

I appreciate any guidance on this matter. Thank you!

Best regards,
Anand Kashyap

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

You question about the distribution is out of the scope of the Windows App SDK tag. But I'll try to answer some of your questions just from the WinUI3 side.

Can sideloading be used as a reliable solution for production apps with a global audience?

First of all, the MSIX package is already a secure and reliable modern application package format, no matter you install it via the Microsoft Store or sideloading. But we always recommend publishing your app to the Microsoft Store. When you published your app to the store, then user will get updates automatically if the enabled the auto-update feature. If you real scenario doesn't support downloading apps from the Store, then you could use sideload based on your requirement.

If sideloading is the best option, what precautions and best practices should I follow to ensure stability and security?

Currently, there is no such documentation about this. You will need to make sure users are getting the right package from your side. It is also important to make sure they are getting the correct certification for sideloading.

Does the choice of hosting server impact the scalability and security of sideloading? If so, what are the recommended hosting configurations for large-scale deployments?

I'm sorry to say this question is out of the scope of our Windows App SDK tag. I can't offer suggestions about this.

Thank you.

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