Windows Packager
Windows Packager is a free, open-source software tool that allows you to package Windows desktop applications as MSIX packages. It provides an intuitive graphical interface to configure, build, validate and publish MSIX packages for distribution.
packaging
msix
desktop
windows
open-source
Windows Packager: Free MSIX Package Tool
A free, open-source software tool to package Windows desktop applications as MSIX packages, configuring, building, validating and publishing for distribution.
What is Windows Packager?
Windows Packager is a free, open-source packaging tool developed by Microsoft that enables developers to package their Win32, .NET Framework, and .NET Core applications as MSIX packages for distribution through the Microsoft Store or other channels. Key features include:
- Intuitive graphical interface to configure package details like app info, visual assets, package capabilities, etc.
- Support for packaging complex Win32 applications with framework dependencies, COM components, services, drivers etc.
- Validation tools to check MSIX package requirements and compatibility issues
- Command-line interface for automated build pipelines
- Integration with SignTool for package signing and certification
- Sideloading capabilities for internal app distribution within organizations
By packaging apps as MSIX rather than traditional installers (MSI, EXE), developers can enhance security with app containerization, achieve reliable cross-machine app installs leveraging app attach, reduce package size using single instance app execution, and more. Overall, Windows Packager simplifies and accelerates the process of readying Win32/WPF/WinForms apps for wide distribution as modern MSIX packages.
Windows Packager Features
Features
- Graphical user interface for packaging apps
- Supports packaging Win32, WPF, Windows Forms apps
- Generates MSIX packages
- Built-in validation of packages
- Integration with SignTool for package signing
- Supports CI/CD workflows
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Easy to use GUI
Generates compliant MSIX packages
Integrates with existing workflows
Cons
Limited to packaging Windows desktop apps
Less flexibility than manual MSIX creation
Requires Windows OS
Official Links
The Best Windows Packager Alternatives
Top Os & Utilities and Packaging Tools and other similar apps like Windows Packager
Here are some alternatives to Windows Packager:
Suggest an alternative ❐
Ninite
Ninite is a free software application that streamlines the process of installing multiple programs on a new Windows computer. It allows users to select from a list of over 100 popular free software options, including web browsers, media players, productivity software, utilities, and more.Once the desired programs are selected, Ninite...
Chocolatey
Chocolatey is an open source software management solution for Windows that allows administrators and power users to automate the process of installing, upgrading, configuring, and removing software packages. It works natively with existing tools and infrastructure.Some key features of Chocolatey include:Simple command-line interface to manage softwareUse scripts to automate software...
Silent Install Builder
Silent Install Builder is a software tool developed by Ethan Breton LLC that makes it easy to create silent install setup packages for many types of common Windows software. A silent installer runs an installation in the background without requiring user input. This allows IT staff to efficiently deploy software...
OneGet
OneGet is a package manager for Windows operating systems developed by Microsoft. It was introduced in Windows 10 and Windows Server 2016 as a central package manager to unify and manage other package managers like Chocolatey, PowerShell Package Manager, and NuGet.The key features and goals of OneGet include:Provide a common...
WAPT Community
WAPT Community is a free and open source software deployment and package management solution designed specifically for Windows environments. It provides administrators with a central web console to remotely install, update, remove and manage software on Windows computers and servers across the network.Some key features of WAPT Community include:Managing updates...
WPKG
WPKG (Windows Package Manager) is an open-source software deployment and management solution designed specifically for Windows environments. It provides administrators with a simple way to install, upgrade, and remove software across a network of Windows computers using a central XML database to store all package information.Some key features of WPKG...
Just Install
Just Install is a lightweight and portable software manager designed for Windows. It allows users to install various apps and programs onto their computers without needing admin privileges or rights.Some key features of Just Install include:Runs completely from a USB flash drive - No installation requiredBypasses admin restrictions to install...
Silent Install Helper
Silent Install Helper is a free utility designed to help IT administrators and power users create answer files for silently installing software on Windows systems. With Silent Install Helper, you can easily create answer files (also called unattended installation files) for over 200 popular applications, including web browsers, office suites,...
App Grid
App Grid is an internal app store and app catalog software designed for enterprises. It provides companies with a private app marketplace where employees can access, download, and share business and productivity apps approved by IT.Key capabilities and benefits of App Grid include:App catalog management - IT administrators can curate...
Pkgsrc
pkgsrc is a framework for building third-party software on Unix-like systems including NetBSD, FreeBSD, Linux, Solaris, Tru64, Darwin, and other platforms. It provides over 12,000 ready-to-use software packages that have been patched to fix security vulnerabilities and work on multiple platforms. The focus of pkgsrc is to provide a packaging...
App Explorer from SweetLabs
App Explorer from SweetLabs is an application manager designed to help users discover, install, and manage software on their Windows computers. Here are some key features of App Explorer:Personalized recommendations - App Explorer analyzes user patterns and preferences to recommend new apps they may like.Software updates - It automatically checks...
Acer Collection
Acer Collection is a suite of utility applications developed by Acer to help Acer device users manage, maintain, and optimize their computers or devices. It comes pre-installed on most new Acer laptops and desktops.Some of the key apps in Acer Collection include:Acer Care Center - Allows you to monitor system...
