WPF Desktop Bridge Details

Introduction

The Windows Desktop Bridge allows developers to modernize existing desktop applications by packaging them into an MSIX format, making them discoverable and manageable through the Microsoft Store. This sample focuses specifically on adapting WPF applications for this process.

Key Concepts Demonstrated

• MSIX Packaging: Learn how to create an .appxmanifest file that correctly declares your WPF application's capabilities and dependencies.
• Resource Management: Understand how resources like assets, configuration files, and settings are handled when packaged with the Desktop Bridge.
• Registry and File System Virtualization: Explore how the Desktop Bridge virtualizes access to the registry and file system to ensure compatibility.
• Background Tasks and Activation: See examples of how to implement background tasks and handle different activation types within a packaged WPF app.
• Application Lifecycle Management: Discover best practices for managing the lifecycle of your WPF application when it's running in a sandboxed environment.

Project Structure

The sample includes the following key components:

• YourWpfApp.csproj: The main project file for your WPF application.
• App.xaml and App.xaml.cs: The application entry point.
• MainWindow.xaml and MainWindow.xaml.cs: The main window of the application.
• Package.appxmanifest: The manifest file generated for MSIX packaging.
• Assets folder: Contains icons and other assets required for the application package.

Getting Started

1. Open the solution in Visual Studio.
2. Ensure you have the Windows SDK installed.
3. Right-click on the WPF project and select "Publish" -> "Create App Packages".
4. Follow the prompts to generate your MSIX package.
5. The sample includes a pre-configured manifest file that you can adapt for your own projects.

Code Snippets

Example Manifest Entry

Here's a snippet from a typical Package.appxmanifest file for a WPF application:

<Application Id="App" Executable="YourWpfApp.exe" EntryPoint="YourWpfApp.App">
    <uap:VisualAssets IconSize="150" Square150x150Logo="Assets\StoreLogo.png" />
</Application>

<Extensions>
    <Extension Category="windows.activatableClass.inProcessServer">
        <InProcessServer Argument="1" ClassId="your-unique-guid">
            <Path DesktopName="YourWpfApp.exe" />
        </InProcessServer>
    </Extension>
</Extensions>

Handling File Access

When dealing with files that might be in restricted locations, use the Windows.Storage APIs for robust access:

using Windows.Storage;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

public async Task ReadFileAsync(string filename)
{
    StorageFolder appFolder = await StorageFolder.GetFolderForUserAsync(Windows.System.User.FindAllAsync().FirstOrDefault());
    StorageFile file = await appFolder.GetFileAsync(filename);
    string content = await FileIO.ReadTextAsync(file);
    // Process content
}

Further Resources

• Prepare your desktop app for MSIX
• Use the Desktop Bridge to package your WPF application
• App icons and logos