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ethanhanderson
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dotnet-winui

Build WinUI 3 desktop apps with Windows App SDK configuration and MVVM patterns.

Updated Jan 15, 2026
Search Tags:#c##mvvm#xaml#msix#windows app sdk#uwp migration#winui 3
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/ethanhanderson/church-presenter --skill dotnet-winui-ethanhanderson
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: dotnet-winui
Source: https://github.com/ethanhanderson/church-presenter/tree/main/.agents/skills/dotnet-winui
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/ethanhanderson/church-presenter --skill dotnet-winui-ethanhanderson

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

It solves the confusion and friction of building Windows desktop apps with WinUI 3, including getting the project configured correctly, applying the right XAML patterns, and deploying with the correct Windows packaging model.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • WinUI 3 project setup (Windows App SDK + TFM): Establishes the correct csproj settings for UseWinUI and a Windows 10 version-specific target framework.
  • Best-practice XAML patterns: Uses compiled bindings (x:Bind) for type-safe performance and deferred loading (x:Load) to improve perceived startup and responsiveness.
  • MVVM integration with CommunityToolkit.Mvvm: Implements source-generator-driven properties and commands to keep UI logic maintainable.
  • Packaging and deployment guidance: Covers MSIX packaged vs unpackaged deployment, including trade-offs and feature availability.
  • Windows platform integration: Explains lifecycle activation, toast notifications, widgets (Windows 11 + MSIX), and taskbar progress via COM interop.
  • UWP migration path: Provides namespace/API replacements and a practical migration checklist with guardrails for common pitfalls.

Quick Start

Use the dotnet-winui skill to generate a WinUI 3 project configuration targeting net8.0-windows10.0.19041.0 and implement x:Bind plus CommunityToolkit.Mvvm in your first MVVM page.

Frequently Asked Questions about dotnet-winui

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I set up a WinUI 3 project with the correct Windows App SDK configuration?▼

WinUI 3 migration from UWP involves replacing namespaces and APIs using a practical migration checklist with guardrails. It helps refactor UWP code to Windows App SDK patterns while avoiding common pitfalls during the transition.

Should I use MSIX packaged or unpackaged deployment for my WinUI 3 app?▼

Choosing MSIX packaged versus unpackaged deployment for WinUI 3 depends on feature availability. MSIX is required for Windows 11 widgets, while unpackaged deployment offers different lifecycle and notification trade-offs that this approach clarifies.

What XAML patterns improve performance in WinUI 3 applications?▼

Performance-oriented XAML patterns in WinUI 3 include using compiled bindings (`x:Bind`) for type-safe data access and deferred loading (`x:Load`) to improve perceived startup and responsiveness in desktop applications.

How do I wire up MVVM in a WinUI 3 project using CommunityToolkit.Mvvm?▼

MVVM integration in WinUI 3 uses CommunityToolkit.Mvvm source generators to create properties and commands. This keeps UI logic maintainable by automatically generating boilerplate code for your ViewModels.

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