WinUI Packaging

---
name: winui-packaging
description: "MSIX packaging, code signing, and distribution for WinUI 3 apps — build for release, certificate generation (winapp cert generate), certificate trust, code signing (winapp sign), self-contained deployment, CI/CD with GitHub Actions, and Microsoft Store submission. Use when preparing for release, creating MSIX installers, managing certificates, setting up CI/CD packaging, or publishing to the Microsoft Store."
---

### Quick Reference

| Task | Command |
|------|---------|
| Build for release | `.\BuildAndRun.ps1 /p:Configuration=Release` |
| Package + sign | `winapp package <dir> --cert devcert.pfx` |
| Generate + sign + package | `winapp package <dir> --generate-cert --install-cert` |
| Generate dev certificate | `winapp cert generate` |
| Trust certificate (admin) | `winapp cert install ./devcert.pfx` |
| Sign existing file | `winapp sign ./app.msix ./devcert.pfx` |
| Self-contained deployment | `winapp package <dir> --cert devcert.pfx --self-contained` |

### End-to-End Workflow

#### Step 1: Build for Release
Use the BuildAndRun.ps1 script from the `winui-dev-workflow` skill to build your app in Release configuration without launching it:

```powershell
.\BuildAndRun.ps1 /p:Configuration=Release -SkipRun
```… load the full skill through Skill Me