NewApp Digest
search bot

MSIX packages

Microsoft Introduces WinApp CLI to Unify Windows App Development Workflows
Winsage
March 27, 2026

Microsoft Introduces WinApp CLI to Unify Windows App Development Workflows

In January 2026, Microsoft launched the public preview of the WinApp CLI, a command-line tool for Windows application development that is open source and supports various frameworks including .NET, C++, Electron, and Rust. The tool aims to simplify the complexities of Windows development by providing a unified entry point for environment setup, configuration, and packaging. Key features include the winapp init command for environment initialization, the winapp create-debug-identity command for attaching package identities without full MSIX packaging, and automation capabilities for manifests, certificates, and signing processes. The CLI also supports Electron and Node.js scenarios, allowing developers to inject package identity into running Electron processes. The WinApp CLI is currently in public preview, with potential changes before general availability, and an updated version 0.2.0 was released in late February 2026. It can be accessed via WinGet, npm, and as a GitHub project for community contributions.
The first building blocks of an agentic Windows OS
Winsage
December 4, 2025

The first building blocks of an agentic Windows OS

Microsoft is introducing an MCP registry to Windows, enhancing security with protective wrappers and providing local agents with discovery tools. A proxy will enable connectivity for local and remote servers, ensuring robust authentication, auditing, and authorization. Enterprises can control access to the MCP using group policies and default settings, allowing unique identities for connectors. The registration process for an MCP server has been simplified with MSIX packages, making installation more accessible. Developers must have NodeJS installed to use the MCP bundle (mcpb) package, which is built using an NPM package. This approach allows developers to incorporate the MCP server into their application’s installer as an MSIX file for easy distribution and installation.
How to Customize Copilot Key on Windows 11
Winsage
February 16, 2025

How to Customize Copilot Key on Windows 11

Microsoft introduced a dedicated Copilot key on its PCs in 2024 to enhance AI branding, but later shifted the strategy to pin Copilot as a web app on the Taskbar, making the key less essential. Users can customize the Copilot key in Windows 11 to either launch Windows Search or a selected application, but customization options are limited to signed MSIX packages, excluding third-party applications. For greater flexibility, users can utilize third-party tools like PowerToys to remap keys. Microsoft is also experimenting with a context menu activation for the Copilot key.
Gamepad keyboard input comes to Windows 11 Release Preview, aimed at handheld users and sofa surfers | Tom's Hardware
Winsage
October 13, 2024

Gamepad keyboard input comes to Windows 11 Release Preview, aimed at handheld users and sofa surfers | Tom’s Hardware

Windows 11 has introduced a new Gamepad keyboard functionality in Preview Build 22631, designed for handheld PC users to enhance the gaming experience with a tailored on-screen keyboard layout for gamepads. The Gamepad keyboard allows efficient typing using sticks and buttons and features additional touch controls, occupying about one-fifth of the screen. The rollout of this feature is gradual, with expectations for broader availability for gamepad users. Other enhancements in this build include an overhaul of Notification Suggestions, advanced Phone Link access from the Start Menu, and the ability to rebind the Copilot key for customization. Handheld gaming devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally, and Steam Deck will benefit from these updates, particularly for Steam Deck users who choose Windows. There is anticipation for the Gamepad keyboard to transition to a stable release, reducing reliance on touchscreen interfaces.
Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel build 26120.1350 (KB5041871) adds Android share feature
Winsage
August 10, 2024

Windows 11 Insider Dev Channel build 26120.1350 (KB5041871) adds Android share feature

Microsoft has released a new build of Windows 11, version 26120.1350, for Windows Insider Program members in the Dev Channel. This update, identified as KB5041871, introduces a feature for sharing content with Android devices via the Windows share window, requiring pairing through the Link to Windows app and Phone Link. The update also includes security enhancements using Microsoft SmartScreen for verifying MSIX package sources, several bug fixes, and acknowledges ongoing issues. Notable fixes include resolving color display issues in Task Manager's Performance page, addressing Windows Sandbox launch errors, and correcting Voice Access command functionality for non-English languages. Known issues include potential failures when adding languages or features, crashes in Task Manager, and problems with text suggestions on hardware keyboards.
Search