Microsoft Launches WinApp CLI to Simplify Windows App Development

Microsoft has announced the public preview of WinApp, a new Windows App Development command-line tool designed to modernize and simplify how developers build, package, and distribute Windows applications.

WinApp is an open-source CLI created to unify common Windows development tasks across multiple frameworks and toolchains. Microsoft built the tool with developers in mind who do not rely on Visual Studio or MSBuild, including those working with Electron, C++, .NET, Rust, Dart, and other platforms.

A single CLI for modern Windows app workflows

The new CLI streamlines several critical steps in the Windows app lifecycle. Developers can use WinApp to set up their development environment, manage Windows SDKs, generate app manifests and certificates, and package applications for distribution using MSIX.

One of the key features is the winapp init command. This single command bootstraps a Windows app project by automatically downloading required SDKs, creating assets, generating manifests, and handling certificates. Developers can also add package identity for debugging without performing full packaging, which significantly speeds up testing and iteration.

When an app is ready for release, WinApp can generate a fully signed MSIX package using one command. This approach reduces friction during deployment and helps standardize packaging across different development stacks.

WinApp also includes integrated support for Electron developers. The tool makes it easier to bridge native Windows features into Electron-based applications, reducing the complexity often associated with combining web technologies and Windows-specific capabilities.

The WinApp CLI is currently available in public preview, and Microsoft says developer feedback will play a key role in shaping future improvements. Developers can install WinApp via WinGet or, for certain workflows, through npm.

In other news, Microsoft 365 suffered a global outage, but it has since been resolved. The company is also trying to make its services safer by introducing watermarking to Microsoft 365 Copilot and a similar feature in Edge for Businesses.