dotnet-msix

Create, sign, and distribute MSIX packages for .NET desktop applications.

71|10|Updated Feb 11, 2026

Search Tags:#ci/cd #packaging #.net #code signing #msix #windows app sdk #app installer

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/wshaddix/dotnet-skills --skill dotnet-msix-wshaddix

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dotnet-msix
Source: https://github.com/wshaddix/dotnet-skills/tree/main/skills/dotnet-msix
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/wshaddix/dotnet-skills --skill dotnet-msix-wshaddix

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This Skill streamlines the process of packaging .NET desktop applications into the MSIX format, enabling modern deployment and update mechanisms for Windows.

Core Features & Use Cases

MSIX Creation: Generate MSIX packages directly from .NET projects or via Windows Application Packaging projects.
Signing & Distribution: Handle certificate signing for development and production, and prepare packages for various distribution channels like the Microsoft Store or App Installer sideloading.
Auto-Update: Configure seamless application updates using App Installer.
Use Case: You have a WinUI 3 application and need to package it for distribution to enterprise users, ensuring it can be easily updated.

Quick Start

Use the dotnet-msix skill to create an MSIX package from the current project's csproj file, signing it with a self-signed certificate for development.

Frequently Asked Questions about dotnet-msix

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I package a .NET desktop app as MSIX?▼

You can generate MSIX packages directly from a .NET csproj file or via Windows Application Packaging projects. This process automates the creation of MSIX bundles for modern Windows deployment.

Can I sign an MSIX package with a self-signed certificate for development?▼

Yes, MSIX signing supports self-signed certificates for development alongside CA and Store certificates. This enables trusted application installation and testing on local Windows environments.

How do I configure auto-updates for a Windows App Installer sideloading deployment?▼

App Installer facilitates seamless MSIX auto-updates for sideloaded Windows applications. You configure the update mechanism within the App Installer file to check for and deploy new MSIX versions automatically.

Does MSIX packaging work with WinUI 3 and Windows App SDK projects?▼

MSIX packaging fully supports WinUI 3 and Windows App SDK projects. It prepares your .NET desktop application for enterprise distribution, ensuring packaged binaries deploy correctly across target Windows systems.

What is the best way to distribute an MSIX bundle to enterprise users?▼

Enterprise MSIX distribution utilizes Microsoft Store deployment, App Installer sideloading, or direct enterprise deployment channels. Bundling MSIX packages ensures optimized distribution tailored to organizational requirements.

Why use MSIX packaging instead of traditional installers for .NET apps?▼

MSIX provides modern deployment and auto-update mechanisms for Windows desktop applications. Unlike traditional installers, it standardizes certificate signing, distribution, and seamless updates across Microsoft Store and sideloading channels.