Download Makeappx.exe

makeappx.exe needs a mapping file (XML) that lists every file to include. Create a file named mapping.txt:

[Files]
"C:\MyApp\App.exe"                 "App.exe"
"C:\MyApp\App.dll"                 "App.dll"
"C:\MyApp\Assets\logo.png"         "Assets\logo.png"
"C:\MyApp\AppxManifest.xml"        "AppxManifest.xml"

If you already have Visual Studio 2019 or 2022 installed, you likely already have makeappx.exe without knowing it. download makeappx.exe

Steps:

Visual Studio automatically adds the SDK’s bin folder to your system PATH (sometimes), so you may be able to run makeappx.exe directly from PowerShell or Command Prompt. makeappx

Open Developer Command Prompt (installed with SDK) or regular CMD, then: If you already have Visual Studio 2019 or

makeappx --help

You should see the help text listing commands: pack, unpack, encrypt, decrypt.

| Aspect | Detail | |--------|--------| | Official Source | Windows SDK (part of Windows Kits) | | Download Link | Windows SDK | | Install Size | ~2-3 GB (full SDK) | | Tool Location | %ProgramFiles(x86)%\Windows Kits\10\bin\<version>\x64\ | | Primary Use | Create .appx / .msix packages |