A brief information for people who distribute MSIX packages in corporate environments. Microsoft has released the January 2019 release of the MSIX Packaging Tool. It now supports Windows 10 V1709 and Windows 10 V1803.
What are MSIX packages and what is the Packaging Tool?
MSIX is the Windows App package format that allows all Windows applications to be packaged for distribution. The MSIX package format preserves the functionality of existing app packages and/or installation files and provides new, advanced packaging and deployment capabilities for Win32, WPF and WinForm applications.
The MSIX Packaging Tool allows you to create MSIX packages from old or new Windows apps. These can then be distributed within an enterprise environment. The MSIX packaging tool is available from the Microsoft Store. Microsoft has provided some information about the tool here.
January 2019 release of MSIX Packaging Tool
Microsoft releases updated versions of the MSIX Packaging Tool from time to time. In this tweet, the January 2019 version of the tool was announced on February 11, 2019.
An updated version of the MSIX Packaging Tool is now available! Plus, MSIX now supports #Windows10 versions 1709 and 1803 (in addition to 1809). A great way to start the week. Learn more here: https://t.co/qOwPtloNcO pic.twitter.com/0pravHetFE
— Windows IT Pro (@MSWindowsITPro) 11. Februar 2019
The MSIX Packaging Tool is now, according to this Microsoft article, available in version 1.2019.110.0. The tool allows IT professionals (and developers) to update their existing app installers to MSIX.
At the same time, Microsoft mentions, that it is now possible to distribute MSIX packages to companies with tools such as System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Microsoft Intune, PowerShell, double-click file implementations, or install directly from APIs. This change does not include distribution from the Microsoft Store or Microsoft Store for Business that requires Windows 10 1809 or later.
