Microsoft Launches Open-Source WinApp CLI to Streamline Windows App Development

Microsoft introduced the public preview of WinApp CLI (winapp), an open-source command-line tool that simplifies Windows app development by automating environment setup, manifest updates, certificate generation, debug package identity, and MSIX packaging. It supports Electron, .NET, C++/CMake, Rust, and CI/CD integrations, includes commands like winapp init, restore, manifest update-assets, cert generate, and pack, and can be installed via winget or npm; the preview seeks developer feedback to refine features and improve access to modern Windows APIs, including security and AI capabilities.