Publish extension updates #5698

chatasweetie · 2025-10-14T20:22:32Z

I've fleshed out the guide of publishing to Store & WinGet for the first submission. It is still missing the automation of updates (not NEEDED but would be nice).

TODO for this PR:

Someone to review these steps to validate

… actions

…to being bold

prmerger-automator · 2025-10-14T20:22:42Z

@chatasweetie : Thanks for your contribution! The author(s) and reviewer(s) have been notified to review your proposed change.

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-10-14T20:24:43Z

Learn Build status updates of commit 79e4a30:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: hard-coded-locale - See documentation] Link 'https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account' contains locale code 'en-us'. For localizability, remove 'en-us' from links to most Microsoft sites.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: hard-coded-locale - See documentation] Link 'https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation' contains locale code 'en-us'. For localizability, remove 'en-us' from links to most Microsoft sites.
Line 37, Column 250: [Suggestion: docs-link-absolute - See documentation] Absolute link 'https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/apps/publish/' will be broken in isolated environments. Replace with a relative link.
Line 45, Column 3: [Suggestion: docs-link-absolute - See documentation] Absolute link 'https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account' will be broken in isolated environments. Replace with a relative link.
Line 46, Column 68: [Suggestion: docs-link-absolute - See documentation] Absolute link 'https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation' will be broken in isolated environments. Replace with a relative link.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

alvinashcraft

Some fixes to address the build warnings. I'll take a closer look at the contents of the tutorial tomorrow. Thanks for updating this!

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

chatasweetie · 2025-10-14T21:53:08Z

Thanks @alvinashcraft Before you do, Zach is going to walk through it to make sure it's not missing anything

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

zateutsch

Microsoft store comments

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

…card and point microsoft store expected naming, updated $projectFile file path to be one repo lower due to single extension different structure than my multi extension

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-10-27T16:35:35Z

Learn Build status updates of commit a3a9da7:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details
uwp/index.yml	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account'.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation'.

uwp/index.yml

Line 12, Column 18: [Warning: ms-service-subservice-invalid - See documentation] Invalid value for 'ms.subservice': 'uwp-conceptual-docs' is not valid with 'ms.service' value 'uwp'.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

chatasweetie · 2025-10-30T20:52:25Z

@zadjii-msft
Here is the draft of publishing extensions

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-10-31T21:42:36Z

Learn Build status updates of commit c2b1618:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account'.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation'.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

* WinAppSDK 1.8 Preview 1 - Release Notes WinAppSDK 1.8 Preview 1 - Release Notes * Update preview-channel.md * Update preview-channel-1.7.md * Update preview-channel-1.7.md * rename * Updates * Update preview-channel.md * Update release-channels.md * Update downloads.md --------- Co-authored-by: KB <[email protected]>

… thanks Gleb!

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-11-03T22:50:58Z

Learn Build status updates of commit d9d9ce2:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account'.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation'.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

…ile, thanks Felipe!

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-11-03T23:31:13Z

Learn Build status updates of commit 4411cc7:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account'.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation'.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

alvinashcraft

I ran the changes through the Learn Authoring Assistant. These are the style guide suggestions it gave.

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

alvinashcraft

I ran the changes through the Learn Authoring Assistant. These are the style guide suggestions it gave.

niels9001 · 2025-11-04T16:42:13Z

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

+### Prepare the extension
+
+1. In your IDE, open `<ExtensionName>\Package.appxmanifest`.
+1. Replace the values with the information you copied from Partner Center:


Is this what Visual Studio does when right-clicking on your project and clicking "Associcate with Store"?

If so, I'd push this flow as it's much easier to go through vs manually copying stuff?

Things might have changed but when I chatted with Mike back in August he said not to use Visual Studio to build the MSIX files and to use a dot net command instead

@zadjii-msft is this still the case?

I've only ever personally used the dotnet build tools. Maybe I just have CLI-brainrot 🤷

I haven't personally ever actually built something for the Store, so maybe that option works cleaner?

ack, gonna try it out building with visual studio and upload it to store to see if it passes the msix checks

I tired building the msix using the "Package and Publish" → "Create App Packages" flow, but that wasn't listed as an option and I think it's because it doesn't have packaging (which when I look up, the internet suggest adding a "Windows Application Packaging Project". I think this is why when Mike & I tried building the MSIX we ended up using the CLI (and even with the CLI I still needed to add the store info to the project). I'm working on adding the missing content to the template as well as a script so the developer just runs the script, provides the store info and the script updates the .csproj & package.appxmanifest. If anyone else has done this I'm more than happy to get a VS -> Store publication

Dependency on Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK.WinUI is the secret ingredient for that submenu appear :(

oh gawh! I added <PackageReference Include="Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK"> <PrivateAssets>all</PrivateAssets> </PackageReference> to my .csproj file and now I have the options 👀 I'll test it out, brb

Just to add some context: microsoft/PowerToys#38530 (comment)

So yes, Create App Packages does appear with the added Windows App SDK dependency (Microsoft.WindowsAppSDK.WinUI), but since this runs inside of command palette isn't it going to be an issue?

runs inside of command palette

At least for now, each extension is a separate process.

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

niels9001 · 2025-11-04T16:42:59Z

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

+
+> [!NOTE]
+> **MSIX packages explained**
+> MSIX is Microsoft's modern app packaging format that provides secure installation, automatic updates, and clean uninstallation. It replaces older formats like MSI and ensures your extension integrates properly with Windows security and deployment features.


Link to MSIX docs-hub?

niels9001 · 2025-11-04T16:44:41Z

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

+## Guide to WinGet publishing

-<!-- 
+Publishing to WinGet is the recommended distribution method for Command Palette extensions as it enables automatic discovery and installation directly within Command Palette. This guide covers the majority of the WinGet publication process, from preparing your project and creating build scripts to setting up GitHub Actions automation and submitting your first package manifest. You'll learn how to create installer packages, configure automated builds, and navigate the WinGet submission workflow to make your extension easily discoverable and installable for users.


Is it the recommended distribution method (long term)? @zadjii-msft ?

Long term... no. Short term? Totally. We still don't have a LOS on store extensions directly in the palette itself

We have #41453, which currently promotes extensions from the MS Store. I haven’t gotten around to implementing #42216 yet :'(

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

learn-build-service-prod · 2025-11-06T21:17:50Z

Learn Build status updates of commit dec9e9a:

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

File	Status	Preview URL	Details
hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md	⚠️Warning		Details

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md

Line 45, Column 3: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/publish/partner-center/partner-center-developer-account'.
Line 46, Column 68: [Warning: file-not-found - See documentation] Invalid file link: '../../apps/design/style/iconography/visual-studio-asset-generation'.

For more details, please refer to the build report.

Note: Your PR may contain errors or warnings or suggestions unrelated to the files you changed. This happens when external dependencies like GitHub alias, Microsoft alias, cross repo links are updated. Please use these instructions to resolve them.

chatasweetie · 2025-11-06T21:19:42Z

Current status
there are 2 questions for @zadjii-msft:

to build MSIX for extension, can this be done via VS?
Is Winget the recommended distribution method (long term)?

chatasweetie added 4 commits October 14, 2025 10:20

microsoft store and winget instructions publishing content

68ed78c

update scripts

9ef2a58

correct formatting, add context to the two processes and about github…

e0823ca

… actions

minor formatting changes, moved two requirements for winget from ### …

79e4a30

…to being bold

prmerger-automator bot added the do-not-merge label Oct 14, 2025

prmerger-automator bot assigned alvinashcraft Oct 14, 2025

prmerger-automator bot requested a review from alvinashcraft October 14, 2025 20:22

prmerger-automator bot added Change sent to author dev-environment/svc powertoys/subsvc labels Oct 14, 2025

alvinashcraft reviewed Oct 14, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

chatasweetie commented Oct 17, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

zateutsch reviewed Oct 17, 2025

View reviewed changes

add more microsoft store image and Partner Center details

1e991d2

zateutsch reviewed Oct 23, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

chatasweetie added 2 commits October 24, 2025 15:24

added more details about required images, made image upload as a wile…

b7d7705

…card and point microsoft store expected naming, updated $projectFile file path to be one repo lower due to single extension different structure than my multi extension

made changes based on Zachary's review

a3a9da7

chatasweetie commented Oct 30, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Show resolved Hide resolved

update installer creation to include ARM64, add update github action

c2b1618

for gh actions added global variables to make script updating easier,…

d9d9ce2

… thanks Gleb!

updated gh actions and ps1 files to use variables at the top of the f…

4411cc7

…ile, thanks Felipe!

jiripolasek mentioned this pull request Nov 4, 2025

CmdPal: Make new extension template instantly publishable to Store microsoft/PowerToys#43240

Open

alvinashcraft reviewed Nov 4, 2025

View reviewed changes

niels9001 reviewed Nov 4, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

niels9001 reviewed Nov 4, 2025

View reviewed changes

jiripolasek reviewed Nov 4, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Show resolved Hide resolved

jiripolasek reviewed Nov 5, 2025

View reviewed changes

hub/powertoys/command-palette/publish-extension.md Outdated Show resolved Hide resolved

chatasweetie added 3 commits November 6, 2025 11:21

changes based on Alvin's review via Learn Authoring Assistant

ba30275

changes based on Niels review

cf5d172

changes based on Jiri's review

dec9e9a

Publish extension updates #5698

Are you sure you want to change the base?

Publish extension updates #5698

Uh oh!

Conversation

chatasweetie commented Oct 14, 2025

Uh oh!

prmerger-automator bot commented Oct 14, 2025

Uh oh!

learn-build-service-prod bot commented Oct 14, 2025

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

Uh oh!

alvinashcraft left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

chatasweetie commented Oct 14, 2025

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

zateutsch left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

learn-build-service-prod bot commented Oct 27, 2025

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

chatasweetie commented Oct 30, 2025

Uh oh!

learn-build-service-prod bot commented Oct 31, 2025

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

Uh oh!

learn-build-service-prod bot commented Nov 3, 2025

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

Uh oh!

learn-build-service-prod bot commented Nov 3, 2025

⚠️ Validation status: warnings

Uh oh!

alvinashcraft left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

Uh oh!

alvinashcraft left a comment

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

jiripolasek Nov 12, 2025 • edited Loading Uh oh! There was an error while loading. Please reload this page.

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

Choose a reason for hiding this comment

Uh oh!

jiripolasek Nov 12, 2025 •

edited

Loading