Publish WinForms MSIX to Microsoft Store

[jochenwezel]

Summary

Publish the WinForms MSIX through Microsoft Store as a dedicated Windows distribution channel.

Depends on

• Shared Windows distribution metadata and packaging baseline: Define shared Windows distribution metadata and packaging baseline for Store and winget #43

Related

• Microsoft Store workflow automation: Automate Microsoft Store publishing in workflows #18
• winget distribution channel: Publish WinForms MSIX via winget #44

Motivation

The project already has MSIX packaging work in place, which makes Microsoft Store a natural distribution target for the Windows WinForms app.

Scope

Store onboarding

• Prepare the package and metadata required for Microsoft Store submission
• Align naming, publisher, URLs, descriptions, and branding with Define shared Windows distribution metadata and packaging baseline for Store and winget #43
• Verify that the selected package identity and metadata are suitable for long-term Store maintenance

Initial submission

• Perform a successful Microsoft Store submission for the WinForms app
• Capture any Store-specific validation or certification findings
• Feed necessary baseline changes back into Define shared Windows distribution metadata and packaging baseline for Store and winget #43 if shared metadata or package behavior must be adjusted

Release process decision

• Decide which parts remain manual and which parts are safe to automate after the first successful submission
• Use Automate Microsoft Store publishing in workflows #18 for workflow automation after the manual onboarding path is proven

Out of scope

• winget repository submission
• generic in-app update-check UX

Acceptance

• The WinForms app has a successful Microsoft Store submission path
• Store-specific metadata is aligned with Define shared Windows distribution metadata and packaging baseline for Store and winget #43
• Any manual prerequisites for future Store releases are documented
• Follow-up workflow automation is tracked in Automate Microsoft Store publishing in workflows #18