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Written by Horatiu Vladasel·September 23rd, 2020
#MSIX
Bundle and Install MSIX packages
Microsoft recently came out with an MSIX-related packaging format called the MSIX Bundle, which includes safer and more reliable deployments as well as auto-updates and improved widespread support - which makes our life easier as application packagers.
Although we consider that there's still room for improvement, MSIX has developed a lot since its release in 2018. As detailed in the Microsoft MSIX feature support page, we can see that it has many new features supported by different versions of Windows.
If you want to learn more about MSIX, check our MSIX-related article list, to find many resources where we explore how it works and go through some of the possible use cases.
Now, let's go through what the MSIX Bundle is, what it has to offer and how it can be of help in application packaging.
What is the MSIXBundle?
The MSIX Bundle is a packaging format that comprises multiple MSIX packages - each of which can support a specific system architecture.
In practice, with the MSIX Bundle, you can have both an MSIX package for the x86 version of your installer and another one for the x64 version, which you can include into one single package as a bundle.
So, what’s the main benefit of using an MSIX Bundle?
Having an MSIX Bundle for your application, instead of a separate MSIX package for each architecture brings a great benefit: a more scalable distribution of the application.
The MSIX bundle lets the App Installer know how to handle the installation, installing only the resources that are specific to the target device’s architecture. By bundling multiple MSIX packages together, you will only have to upload that MSIX Bundle to your distribution location. And then let the App Installer take care of the rest.
Make sure to use Windows 10 1809 or higher if you want to take advantage of the MSIX Bundle packaging format. You can find more details on MSIX supported platforms here.
How to open an MSIXBundle file?
Similar to MSIX packages, the MSIX bundle uses a PKZip-based file compression which can be decompressed using any PKZip utility tool.
If you decompress an MSIX Bundle package, you will notice that the file resources have been replaced by the MSIX packages that are bundled into the MSIX Bundle package.
Also, you will see that instead of the AppxManifest.xml file that contains all the information the system needs (in order to deploy, display and update the MSIX package), you will see the AppxBundleManifest.xml.
Here's how the opened manifest file looks for an MSIX Bundle package:
As you can see above, the manifest file includes only two elements:
- “Identity”- which contains the details regarding the identity of the MSIX Bundle such as: Name, Publisher, Version
- “Packages”- which contains the details about the MSIX packages that are bundled in
How to Create an MSIX Bundle?
Let’s suppose that you have two MSIX packages, one x86 and one x64 version of an application, with: one xml file common in both x64 and x86 architectures and for each package, one xml file that addresses the specific architecture.
Each version reads the content of the two corresponding configuration xml files and displays the content on the screen, as seen below.
If you want to create an MSIX Bundle to include the two MSIX packages, all you need is the MakeAppx tool. You can find this tool in any Windows 10 SDK version, starting with 1809.
Basically, all you need to do is to copy the two MSIX packages into the same folder and then run the following command line:
C:\> "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\bin\10.0.17763.0\x86\MakeAppx.exe" bundle /d <input_directory_path> /p <file_path>.msixbundle
The bundled MSIX packages must have the same AppID, Publisher, and Version. The only component that can be different is the Package Process Architecture. If they don’t meet these requirements, you will encounter the following error whilst attempting to bundle them using the MakeAppx.exe tool:
Do not forget to sign it. Same as for all MSIX packages, signing is mandatory for MSIX Bundle packages.
Once the MSIX Bundle is signed, you are ready to distribute it to wherever is needed without worrying about the process architecture of the target devices.
To test it, take the MSIX Bundle package you just created and install it on a device.
As you will see, the App Installer GUI is the same as for a standard MSIX package.
Once the msixbundle is installed, if you break into the MSIX container, you will see that only the resources that are specific to the target device’s architecture are installed.
To break into the MSIX container, I recommend Hover, a free tool from Advanced Installer.
What if you don't have the MSIX packages ready for bundling?
Having different architectures of the same application both in production is not a common use case for an enterprise. But, if you still need to create an MSIX Bundle, a more practical solution would be to use a full packaging tool, such as Advanced Installer.
To achieve that, in addition to following the standard steps in Advanced Installer for creating an MSIX package, all you will need to do is:
1. Go to the “Builds” page and select your MSIX Build. From there, tick the “Create a bundle with individual packages inside” box and select the architectures you need.
2. Configure the Source Path and Per Build for each of the file resources that are required only for a specific system architecture.
And that's it! Your MSIXBundle is now ready to be distributed wherever you want.
Conclusion
Even though the need for multiple architectures of the same application is not that common within the Enterprise environment, the MSIX Bundle could still be something to consider depending on the organization's needs.
For example, some organizations still use the x86 version of Windows and they may need to work with an MSIX Bundle for a more efficient distribution.
You can also use Configuration Manager to deploy your applications, and achieve the same result with the classic approach: having separate MSIX packages for each architecture.
Consider that you will need to have the following:
- each of the MSIX packages imported as a separate “application” in the Configuration Manager
- each of the MSIX packages imported as a single “application” in the Configuration Manager, but added to different “deployment types”
Those two “deployment types” must have a condition set in order to prevent them from getting installed if the MSIX architecture does not match the OS architecture.
Have you used the MSIX Bundle yet? Let us know your experience in the comments below.
Msixbundle: FAQ
What is an Msixbundle?
An MSIXBundle file is an app packaging format that contains numerous MSIX packages bundled together, each being capable of supporting a distinct and specific system architecture (x86, x64, or ARM).
How do you build an MSIX bundle?
Most packaging tools that create an .msix can also build a .msixbundle. Within an Advanced Installer project you can build a bundle by enabling the option “Create a bundle with individual packages inside” in Builds page.
How do I open a Msixbundle package?
A MSIX Bundle will require a tool like 7-zip to get decompressed, as it uses a PKZip-based file compression. Once decompressed, you will find all the MSIX packages that were bundled together in the .msixbundle package. To edit a particular MSIX package you can use the MSIX Editor from Advanced Installer.
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FAQs
How do I open a Msixbundle file? ›
If you cannot open your MSIXBUNDLE file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a MSIXBUNDLE file directly in the browser: Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
How do I create a MSIX bundle? ›Go to the “Builds” page and select your MSIX Build. From there, tick the “Create a bundle with individual packages inside” box and select the architectures you need. 2. Configure the Source Path and Per Build for each of the file resources that are required only for a specific system architecture.
What are the key features of MSIX packaging? ›The MSIX Packaging Tool enables you to repackage your existing desktop applications to the MSIX format. It offers both an interactive UI and a command line for conversions, and gives you the ability to convert an application without having the source code.
What is the difference between MSIX and Msixbundle? ›An MSIX bundle is made up of multiple MSIX packages and it can reduce the size of the app that users download. App bundles are helpful for different architectures, language-specific assets, varying image-scale assets, or resources that apply to specific devices.
What is a Msixbundle file? ›App Bundle (.msixbundle or .appxbundle)
An app bundle is a type of package that can contain multiple app packages, each of which is built to support a specific device architecture. For example, an app bundle can contain three separate app packages for the x86, x64, and ARM configurations.
- Microsoft Visual Studio 2022.
- 7-Zip.
- RARLAB WinRAR.
- Corel WinZip.
- B1 Free Archiver.
- PeaZip.
- Create project.
- Add files.
- Build and install the MSI package.
- Remove installed file.
- Edit product and company names.
- Create shortcuts to the MSI Installer.
- Change product version.
- Installer Analytics.
You can use the MSIX Packaging Tool to create an MSIX application package from any of the following options: MSI. EXE. ClickOnce.
How do I create a MSIX package in InstallShield? ›- Launch InstallShield.
- Click on New button. ...
- Navigate to Files and Folders view add your files.
- Navigate to 'Applications' view, right click on 'Applications' in the center pane and select 'New Application'
- MSIX Packages need to be digitally signed. ...
- Click on Build in the ribbon bar.
An MSIX image is a VHD, VHDx, or CIM file that contains one or more MSIX packaged applications.
Which three formats can you use to contain the expanded MSIX package each correct answer presents a complete solution? ›
MSIX packages need to be in a VHD or VHDX format to work properly. This means that, to get started, you'll need to create a VHD or VHDX package.
Where are MSIX apps installed? ›Re: MSIX Set Installation Path
All the files you have included in your package are installed inside an app-specific folder under "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps<your app>\". This is a design decision from Microsoft.
Cons of MSIX
Some of the disadvantages of using MSIX include: Strict limitations on changes on the low-level of the system (unable to install drivers). Impossibility to run apps that require the admin access .
| Features | Windows Version |
|---|---|
| Defer registration flag | Starting with version 2004 |
| Force update from any version downgrade | Starting with version 1809 |
| Force provisioning | Starting with version 2004 |
| Identity for packaged desktop apps | Starting with version 1709 |
The MSIX package format preserves the functionality of existing app packages and/or install files in addition to enabling new, modern packaging and deployment features to Win32, WPF, and Windows Forms apps. MSIX enables enterprises to stay current and ensure their applications are always up to date.
How do I create an Appx bundle? ›In order to create APPX package from your project, navigate to the Package -> APPX tab, fill-in all the required fields, select the digital signing option and click Build APPX.
How do I extract an Appxbundle file? ›- Run this command: MakeAppx unbundle /p bundle_name.appxbundle /d output_directory.
- The unpacked bundle has the same structure as the installed package bundle.
MISO (Mixture-of-Isoforms) is a probabilistic framework that quantitates the expression level of alternatively spliced genes from RNA-Seq data, and identifies differentially regulated isoforms or exons across samples.
What is the difference between Appx and Appxbundle? ›Single appx app targets specific architecture, appxbundle contains all architecture support mentioned while creating package.
How to install appx file in Windows 10 without Microsoft Store? ›Xaml the typical method to install this is using NuGet Package Manager inside of Visual Studio. You can track down the exact version and appx file from Microsoft's repository here: https://store.rg-adguard.net/, but this is overly cumbersome and why I recommend the PSGallery approach.
How to install appx file in Windows 10 using PowerShell? ›
- Open Start.
- Search for PowerShell, right-click the result, and select the Run as administrator option.
- Type the following command to install the unsigned app and press Enter: Add-AppxPackage -Path PATH-TO-APPXFILE\APP.appx.
The . MSI file extension stands for Microsoft Software Installer. It is a Windows Installer format that uses Microsoft's Windows Installer service to configure installer packages, such as Windows applications or update packages. The MSI file extension is used to install software on Windows operating systems.
What are MSI files used for? ›MSI is a file extension that applies to database files used by the Microsoft Windows Installer (MSI). They contain information about an application divided into features and components, and every component may contain files, registry data, shortcuts, and so on.
How do I open and edit an MSI file? ›Similar to Orca, to edit your MSI package, right-click it and select “Open with Advanced Installer”. Once the MSI database has loaded in Advanced Installer, you will notice a left menu pane where you will find all the options you need to directly edit your MSI.
How do I create a custom action in MSI? ›To add a custom action: 1. In the View List under Behavior and Logic, click Custom Actions and Sequences (in Basic MSI, InstallScript MSI, MSI Database, and Transform projects) or Custom Actions (in DIM, Merge Module, and MSM Database projects).
How do I package files into MSI? ›Run the Windows Command Prompt. Go to the folder where your .exe file is located. Run the following command: <file.exe> /s /x /b"<folder>" /v"/qn" (replace <file.exe> with the name of your .exe file and <folder> with the target folder where you want the MSI package to be saved to).
How do I create an installation package? ›- How to create an App Installer file.
- Step 1: Create the *.appinstaller file.
- Step 2: Add the basic template.
- Step 3: Add the main package information.
- Step 4: Add the optional packages.
- Step 5: Add dependencies.
- Step 6: Add Update setting.
- Step 7: Add Auto Update Settings.
Create Msi from Exe Using Free MSI Wrapper
In the Source Folder field, specify the folder with the EXE file that you want to convert to MSI. 2. In the Target Path field, specify the default folder in which the created MSI will be installed.
MSIX Hero can help you with both creating and importing a certificate: To create a new self-signed certificate, open Certificates ribbon and select Create self-signed. Provide a few details, and your first certificate will be ready.
How do I edit a package in MSIX? ›From the welcome page of the MSIX Packaging Tool, select the Package editor icon, browse for your MSIX package and select Open package. You can also right-click on an MSIX package, and select Edit with MSIX Packaging Tool (Available on versions 1.2019. 1018.0 and later).
How do I convert an app to MSIX? ›
- Select Desktop App Converter (MSIX) from Start Package (IT Pros -> Convert tab)
- Choose “Convert an old package into a MSIX”
- Browse to your App-V package, and continue with Next.
What's the difference between MSIX and MSIX app attach? MSIX is a packaging format for apps, while MSIX app attach is the feature that delivers MSIX packages to your deployment.
Is MSIX packaging tool free? ›First things first, to get the MSIX Packaging tool, all you need to do is download it for free from the Microsoft Store.
Where does MSIX app attach store application files stored and within a virtual desktop? ›An MSIX-packaged application expanded into an MSIX image that's uploaded into a file share. A file share in your Azure Virtual Desktop deployment where the MSIX package will be stored. The file share where you uploaded the MSIX image must also be accessible to all virtual machines (VMs) in the host pool.
How does MSIX app attach work? ›In a Azure Virtual Desktop deployment, MSIX app attach can: Create separation between user data, the OS, and apps by using MSIX containers. Remove the need for repackaging when delivering applications dynamically. Reduce the time it takes for a user to sign in.
How do I run MSIX installer? ›By using AppInstaller to install an MSIX packaged app, the user or IT Pro may select to right-click and install or double click the MSIX installer. This approach will prompt the user to select the Install button to initiate the installation and view the installation progress.
Where is system app located? ›System apps are pre-installed apps in the system partition with your ROM. In other words, a system app is simply an app placed under '/system/app' folder on an Android device. '/system/app' is a read-only folder.
What is MSIX deployment? ›What is MSIX? MSIX is the new Windows application packaging format that provides a modern packaging experience to all windows applications. The MSIX application package, preserves the functionality of existing application packages and install files in addition to enabling new, modern packaging and deployment features.
What is the difference between MSIX and EXE installer? ›The EXE file can install an application, but it can also be the program's main executable, whereas MSI files only install applications. EXE files cannot be modified. The only way to alter EXE installers is to repackage them using the Repackager.
What is the file size limit for MSI? ›However, note that this implies that external files (the . cabs) need to be included in the directory. Therefore, in one single . msi file, the largest it can be is 2GB.
How do I open a MSIX file in Windows 7? ›
Install the Microsoft Build Tools (https://chocolatey.org/packages/microsoft-build-tools) Start -> visual studio installer -> Visual Studio Build Tools 2017 -> Modify the 2014 toolset -> individual components. Make sure that VC++ 2015.3 v140 toolset for desktop is selected and then unselect VC++ 2017 141 toolset.
How do you make a MSIX bundle? ›- Step 1: Find MakeAppx.exe. MakeAppx.exe is a tool available in the Windows 10 SDK that allows for packaging and bundling of MSIX packages. ...
- Step 2: Bundle the packages. The easiest way to bundle packages with MakeApp.exe is to add all the packages that you want to bundle together in one folder. ...
- Step 3: Sign the bundle.
A context menu is a pop-up menu that appears after a user interaction, for example, in Windows, when you perform a right-click. However, there are two types of context menus: Shell menus - which point to the application exe that you want to run, with or without parameters. Shell extensions - point to a dll.
How do I open a .msix file? ›How to open an MSIX file. To open an MSIX file and begin installation of the packaged app in Windows 10, simply double-click the file. App Installer opens the MSIX file and displays information about the app, such as the name, publisher, and version, as well as the capabilities requested by the app.
What are the importance of application packages? ›For companies to remain competitive with other businesses, it's important that they provide users with fast and useful software updates. With application packaging, companies can deliver high-quality updates that are both timely and non-intrusive.
How do I extract an AppxBundle file? ›- Run this command: MakeAppx unbundle /p bundle_name.appxbundle /d output_directory.
- The unpacked bundle has the same structure as the installed package bundle.
From the welcome page of the MSIX Packaging Tool, select the Package editor icon, browse for your MSIX package and select Open package. You can also right-click on an MSIX package, and select Edit with MSIX Packaging Tool (Available on versions 1.2019. 1018.0 and later).
How do I download a MSIX file? ›Get from Microsoft Store
Open Microsoft Store on your Windows 10/Windows 11 and look for “MSIX Hero”. Alternatively, press the button below to go directly to the download page.
MSIX is a Windows app package format that provides a modern packaging experience to all Windows apps. The MSIX package format preserves the functionality of existing app packages and/or install files in addition to enabling new, modern packaging and deployment features to Win32, WPF, and Windows Forms apps.
Where are MSIX files installed? ›The installation path of an MSIX package cannot be changed.
All the files you have included in your package are installed inside an app-specific folder under "C:\Program Files\WindowsApps<your app>\".
Where do MSIX packages get installed? ›
Always installer package is created in default location C:\Program Files\WindowsApps.
How do I create an APPX file? ›In order to create APPX package from your project, navigate to the Package -> APPX tab, fill-in all the required fields, select the digital signing option and click Build APPX.
What type of file is Appxbundle? ›An APPXBUNDLE file is a package file created with Microsoft Visual Studio and is used for distribution of Windows apps (both Desktop and UWP) on Microsoft Store. It contains one or more versions of an app, targeting specific processor architecture such as x86, x64, or ARM.
How do I edit an MSI file? ›Similar to Orca, to edit your MSI package, right-click it and select “Open with Advanced Installer”. Once the MSI database has loaded in Advanced Installer, you will notice a left menu pane where you will find all the options you need to directly edit your MSI.
How do I install Msixbundle from command prompt? ›- Add-AppPackage -path "C:\Caphyon\MyApp.msix" Copy. ...
- Add-AppPackage -path “C:\Caphyon\MyBundle.msixbundle” Copy. ...
- Remove-AppPackage -Package "Caphyon.MyApp_1.0.0.0_neutral__8wekyb3d8bbwe" Copy. ...
- Remove-AppPackage -Package "Caphyon. ...
- Get-AppPackage -name “Caphyon.MyApp” Copy.
MSIX is a new unified packaging format that allows organizations to create secure and high-performing applications. It runs applications inside an isolated MSIX container that enables safe and reliable app performance across the lifecycle and provides a clean uninstall.