WinappCli

lastmod 2026-02-12created 2026-02-121 edits

winapp, the Windows App Development CLI, is a single command-line interface for managing Windows SDKs, packaging, generating app identity, manifests, certificates, and using build tools with any app framework.

Unified CLI for Windows app development

About

• CLI tool developed by microsoft to automate Windows SDK management and app packaging
• Makes it easy to use native Windows features from various frameworks
• Automates key development steps such as App Identity generation, manifest management, certificate issuance and signing, and build tool integration
• The following features are available through the CLI from .NET, Win32, CMake, Electron, Rust, and more
  • Latest Windows APIs, Package ID, MSIX packaging, various developer tools
  • Package identity-based features such as native Notifications, Explorer/shell integration, protocol handlers, web-to-app links, background tasks, and auto-updates
  • Registering custom CLI commands through AppExecutionAlias
  • File extension association, launching at Windows login, exposing APIs to other apps through app services
• Suited for Qt/Electron developers using native Windows features or building CI/CD pipelines
• Provides a setup-WinAppCli action for GitHub Actions and Azure DevOps
• MIT license, follows the Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct
• Currently in Public Preview

See also

• Windows

Favorite site

• Github - microsoft/WinAppCli
• winappCli - Unified CLI for Windows app development | GeekNews