Edit

Share via

Packaging a CLI executable as MSIX

This guide walks you through packaging an existing command-line executable as an MSIX package for distribution via Windows Package Manager (winget), the Microsoft Store, or direct distribution.

Prerequisites

  • An existing CLI executable (.exe) that you want to package
  • Windows 10 version 1809 or later

Steps

1. Organize your CLI application

Place your CLI executable and any dependencies in a dedicated folder:

mkdir MyCliPackage
cd MyCliPackage
# Copy your CLI executable and dependencies here

2. Install winapp CLI

winget install microsoft.winappcli --source winget

3. Generate the appxmanifest.xml

winapp manifest generate --executable .\yourcli.exe

This creates an appxmanifest.xml file with default values populated from your executable.

4. Configure the manifest

Edit the generated appxmanifest.xml to add an execution alias, hide the app from the Start menu, and update application details.

4.1 Add required namespace

Add the uap5 namespace to the Package element:

<Package
  xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/foundation/windows10"
  ...
  xmlns:uap="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/uap/windows10"
  xmlns:uap5="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/uap/windows10/5"
  xmlns:rescap="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/foundation/windows10/restrictedcapabilities"
  IgnorableNamespaces="uap uap5 rescap">

4.2 Hide from Start menu

In the <uap:VisualElements> element, add AppListEntry="none":

<uap:VisualElements
    DisplayName="YourApp"
    Description="My Application"
    BackgroundColor="transparent"
    Square150x150Logo="Assets\Square150x150Logo.png"
    Square44x44Logo="Assets\Square44x44Logo.png"
    AppListEntry="none">
</uap:VisualElements>

4.3 Add execution alias

Add the extension within the <Application> element:

<Extensions>
  <uap5:Extension Category="windows.appExecutionAlias">
    <uap5:AppExecutionAlias>
      <uap5:ExecutionAlias Alias="yourcli.exe" />
    </uap5:AppExecutionAlias>
  </uap5:Extension>
</Extensions>

Replace yourcli.exe with the desired command name for your CLI.

4.4 Update application metadata

Update the Identity, Properties, and VisualElements sections to match your CLI application.

5. Generate a development certificate (optional)

For local testing and distribution outside the Microsoft Store:

cd ~
winapp cert generate
winapp cert install

Important

Keep your development certificate outside the folder containing your CLI executable to avoid accidentally including it in the package.

6. Package your CLI

winapp pack .\MyCliPackage --cert path\to\devcert.pfx

This creates an .msix file in the current directory.

Tip

  • The Microsoft Store signs the MSIX for you, no need to sign before submission.
  • You may need separate MSIX packages for each architecture you support (x64, Arm64).
  • Last updated on