[SOLVED] Open a Windows app programmatically, when it was installed with MSIX Application Packager

Open a Windows app programmatically, when it was installed with MSIX Application Packager

I have packaged my windows App using a Visual Studio MSIX Packaging Project: This is a sideloading app, using a certificate, not a Microsoft Store App. This is fine - I get automatic updates, and users can install the package without admin rights.

I want to be able to open this app from another app. Before this was easy - just call Process.Start with the app path: "C:\Program Files\MyCompany\MyApp.exe"

However the Executable for an MSIX installed app is hidden I suspect its in "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps" but this folder is restricted and I can't get access even with admin permissions

There appears to be some data about the installation in C:\Users\MyUser\AppData\Local\Packages{myappguid} - but no executable files are available here.

So my question is simple: How can I launch an app from another program, when the app was installed using the MSIX application packager?

Solution

This turned out to be fairly simple.

Edit your Package.appmanifest and add the following in the Application element

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

And ensure this namespace is referenced at the top of the manifest file xmlns:uap5="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/uap/windows10/5" and is in the ignorable namespaces too.

Rebuild and re-install the MSIX.

Test at a new command-prompt - just type MyApp.exe - it should open the app.

Now the second program can execute Process.Start("MyApp.exe") and it works.

Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/uwp/schemas/appxpackage/uapmanifestschema/element-uap5-extension