Package Management for Windows App SDK

This section details how to manage packages related to the Windows App SDK, ensuring your applications have the necessary components for modern Windows development.

Understanding Packages

The Windows App SDK is distributed through NuGet packages. These packages provide the libraries, headers, and other assets required for building and running your applications. Key packages include:

  • Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK: The core package, providing access to fundamental WinUI 3 and Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs.
  • Microsoft.Windows.SDK.BuildTools: Contains build tools and targets necessary for SDK projects.
  • Microsoft.VCRTForwarders.140: Forwarders for the C++ Redistributable package.

Using NuGet Package Manager

Visual Studio's NuGet Package Manager is the primary tool for adding, updating, and removing Windows App SDK packages from your project. You can access it by right-clicking on your project in Solution Explorer and selecting "Manage NuGet Packages...".

Adding Packages

To add a Windows App SDK package:

  1. Open the NuGet Package Manager.
  2. Select the "Browse" tab.
  3. Search for the desired package (e.g., Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK).
  4. Select the package and click "Install".
Note: For new projects, Visual Studio project templates typically include the necessary Windows App SDK packages by default.

Updating Packages

Keeping your packages up-to-date is crucial for accessing the latest features and security updates. Use the "Updates" tab in the NuGet Package Manager to see available updates for your installed packages.

Dependency Management

The Windows App SDK has a set of minimum runtime dependencies. When you install the Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK package, its associated runtime dependencies are usually installed automatically. However, for deployment, you need to ensure these dependencies are present on the user's machine.

Runtime Dependencies

Applications built with the Windows App SDK require specific runtime components to be installed on the target machine. These are typically deployed via:

  • MSIX Packaging: For apps distributed through the Microsoft Store or as sideloaded MSIX packages, the required runtime components are bundled or dynamically downloaded.
  • Framework Packages: For unpackaged apps or certain deployment scenarios, you might need to ensure the appropriate Windows App SDK runtime framework packages are installed.

The recommended way to manage these runtime dependencies for unpackaged apps is by using the Microsoft.WindowsAppRuntime.Redist NuGet package. This package includes the necessary framework references that your application can depend on during development, and it informs the deployment process about required runtimes.

Tip: For unpackaged applications, consider using the MSIX Packaging Tools to create a package that correctly handles runtime dependencies.

Project Configuration

After installing the core packages, your project file (e.g., .csproj) will be updated with references like:

<ItemGroup>
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK" Version="1.4.231020.7" />
    <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.Windows.SDK.BuildTools" Version="10.0.22621.1" />
    <FrameworkReference Include="Microsoft.Windows.SDK.NET.Ref" />
    <FrameworkReference Include="Microsoft.WinUI" />
</ItemGroup>

Troubleshooting

Common issues with package management include:

  • Version Mismatches: Ensure all Windows App SDK related packages and framework references are using compatible versions.
  • Missing Runtime Dependencies: For unpackaged apps, verify that the necessary runtime components are installed on the target machine.
  • Build Errors: Clean and rebuild your project, or try restoring NuGet packages.
Important: Always refer to the official release notes for the Windows App SDK for the latest information on package versions and their dependencies.