Windows MSIX Support

The RAD Studio 10.4.2 release introduces support for MSIX packaging of Windows applications, for Microsoft Store and Enterprise deployment.

Project Configuration

The RAD Studio MSIX support replaces the APPX support and it is based on a very similar configuration in the project options, for Ad hoc and Store distribution types. Ad hoc distribution types.

Ad hoc distribution type

To test or direct distribution without submitting it to the Windows Store, your best option is to create an Ad hoc distribution provisioning profile.

For an Ad hoc distribution type, you need a certificate file that can be created or browsed by clicking the ellipsis (...).

Store distribution type

To submit your application to the Windows Store, create a Store distribution provisioning profile.

Once everything is configured, you can use the Project Deploy command to create an MSIX file under the subfolder WinXX\Debug\projectname\bin folder of the project folder.

Local MSIX Installation and Certificate Installation

If you activate the MSIX file, it will prompt you to install it locally, and unless you have enabled the certificate, you’ll see the following:

Note: To install the MSIX package, you need to have a proper certificate or to grant permission to your self-signed developer certificate.

Certificate Installation

Locate the certificate file on your hard drive by following the next steps:

1. Go to the folder where you saved your certificate.
2. Right-click your certificate and select Install PFX.
   
   
3. When Certificate Import Wizard opens, select Local Machine as Store Location
   
   
4. Confirm the file to import.
5. Enter the certificate password.
6. Select " Place all certificates in the following store".
7. Click the " Browse..." button, select “Trusted Root Certification Authorities”.
   
   
8. Complete the process

MSIX File installation

To enable MSIX configuration do not forget to activate the “ Applications Store” configuration.

Note: After configuring your application do not forget to save and build your project.

After a successful certificate installation and application configuration opening the MSIX file will allow you to install it:

Notice you also need to have app sideloading enabled in your Windows 10 configuration. Otherwise, the MSIX installer will offer you a link to the configuration dialog:

MSIX and Microsoft Store

The IDE support allows you to create MSIX files ready to be uploaded to the Microsoft Store for Windows. In this case, the project configuration must include the application ID and user ID provided by the Microsoft store configuration, once you have a (paid) account and create a new project.

Warning: You need to have a Minimum Version target of 10.0.17763.0, which is the current default in RAD Studio 10.4.2.
Otherwise, an error message is displayed:

Win SDK Requirements for MSIX

MSIX support requires the installation of a recent version of the Microsoft Windows SDK, which is part of the RAD Studio installation. If you have an older version installed, you’ll receive an error like the following in the deployment phase:

[PAClient Error] Error: E5384 SignTool Error: This file format cannot be signed because it is not recognized. [PAClient Error] Error: E5384 SignTool Error: An error occurred while attempting to sign: C:\...\vcldemo\bin\MSIXDemo.msix

Note: You can eventually download the Windows SDK installer directly from Microsoft.