Windows 10 & 11 Desktop Publishing

Microsoft Store (MSIX) Submission & Publishing Guide

Complete step-by-step walkthrough for packaging WebToApp Studio Pro applications as modern Windows .msix packages and publishing directly to the Microsoft Store.

🌟 The $0 Code Signing Advantage of Microsoft Store

Normally, distributing standalone Windows software requires purchasing an expensive Commercial Code Signing Certificate ($300 to $500+ every year) to prevent Windows SmartScreen from showing "Windows protected your PC" warnings.

$0 Digital Signing: Microsoft automatically signs your MSIX package with Microsoft's globally trusted root certificate for free during ingestion.
Zero SmartScreen Warnings: Users downloading from the Microsoft Store will never see untrusted warnings.
Automatic Background Updates: Windows Update handles silent delta updates for all users when you release new versions.
One-Time Account Fee: Microsoft Partner Center costs just a one-time $19 USD fee for individual developers (or $99 corporate) with zero recurring subscriptions.

Part 1: Immediate Local Sideload Testing

Phase 1: Local Verification

Before submitting to Partner Center, you can test-install your .msix package locally on your own Windows 10 or 11 workstation:

Generate your MSIX package using WebToApp Studio Pro's Microsoft Store (MSIX) target tab.
Open PowerShell as Administrator in your generated MSIX folder.
Run the automated certificate installer:
.\Install-TestCertificate.ps1
(This safely installs your development signing certificate to Cert:\LocalMachine\TrustedPeople for local testing).
Double-click your .msix file. The native Windows App Installer will open with your app's icon, name, and capabilities.
Click Install to test launch your app directly from the Windows Start Menu.

Part 2: Microsoft Partner Center Submission

Phase 2: Store Ingestion

Once you are satisfied with local testing, submit your package to the worldwide Microsoft Store:

Step 1: Sign in to Partner Center

Step 2: Reserve Your App Name

Click Create a new product → MSIX or PWA app, enter your application name, and click Reserve product name.

Step 3: Retrieve Your Product Identity

In your app menu on the left, navigate to Product management → Product Identity. Copy the three values:

Package/Identity Name (e.g. 12345WildcatStudio.MyAwesomeApp)
Publisher ID (e.g. CN=938E4211-1234-ABCD-5678-0123456789AB)
Publisher Display Name (e.g. WildCat Studio)

Step 4: Package with Your Exact Identity

Build your final store package with your Partner Center parameters:

.\package_store_studio.ps1 `
    -PackageName "Your_Partner_Center_Package_Name" `
    -PublisherId "CN=Your_Partner_Center_Publisher_ID" `
    -PublisherDisplayName "Your_Partner_Center_Publisher_Display_Name"

Step 5: Complete Submission Details

Click Start your submission and complete the standard sections:

Pricing and Availability: Choose Free or set your commercial price. Select all global markets.
Properties: Category (Developer Tools or Utilities), Privacy Policy URL.
Age Ratings: Complete the IARC questionnaire (typically rated for all ages).
Packages: Drag and drop your final .msix file. Partner Center will validate package schemas in real time.
Store Listings: Add your app title, marketing description, screenshots, and keywords.

Step 6: Submit for Certification

Click Submit to the Store. Microsoft's automated security certification typically approves and publishes the app within 24 to 72 hours.

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