Among the abilities of the tool includes a feature for running desktop installers directly in the service. Additionally, MSIX packages can be installed on devices and moved straight to the Microsoft Store. Microsoft Account holders can download the tool from the Microsoft Store here, while it can be downloaded offline for Microsoft Store for Business customers. As Microsoft has previously noted, the MSIX Packaging Tool comes with the following requirements:
Windows 10 1809 or later Participation in the Windows Insider Program (only required if using a Windows Insider Build) A valid Microsoft account (MSA) alias to access the app from the Store Administrator privileges on your PC account
MSIX Packaging Tool was first launched on the Store in July, albeit in preview. The solution introduces a new format for running win32 applications in a container on Windows 10 devices. Those machines need to be running the October 2018 Update or newer. Microsoft’s new packaging services effectively replaces other service such as App-V and Desktop App Converter. “MSIX serves as a more efficient method for packaging Win32 applications. By using the new service, developers can ensure a more secure platform. Microsoft says among the benefits of the tool is bandwidth and space saving by only downloading what is needed when installing an app.”
Future Expansion
While the solution is limited to Windows 10 at the moment, Microsoft is expanding the service. Indeed, the company promised MSIC Packaging support for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 soon. Microsoft also recently discussed to some features that are coming to the tool in the future. For example, the company is promising flexible containers and the growth of the Package Support Framework Library. Additionally, dev’s should get a deeper integration between MSIX and System Center ConfigMgr and Intune.
