Modifying UWP Applications using the MutablePackageDirectory feature

What is the WindowsApps folder?

of WindowsApps the folder is located under C:\Program Files directory in Windows 10 and 11 and contains all the files related to the UWP packages installed on the machine. Access and modification of these files is restricted to standard users and even system administrators.

However, some scenarios may require end users to modify installation files, such as installing mods.

This is facilitated by windows.MutablePackageDirectories expansion.

How does the windows.MutablePackagerDirectories extension work?

of windows.MutablePackageDirectories extension, when declared within the AppxManifest.xml file, allows an application to expose a folder within the C:\Program Files\ModifiableWindowsApps – modifiable folder.

Here, the contents of the application installation folder are projected, enabling users to modify the installation files.

Each application can declare one or more variable folders in the AppxManifest.xml file.

How do you edit UWP packages with the MSIX Package Tool?

First, you need to open the AppxManifest file and declare Editable application limited ability.

<Capabilities>
…
<rescap:Capability Name="modifiableApp" />
…
</Capabilities>

Next, declare the mutable folder as a package extension:

<Extensions>
    <desktop6:Extension Category="windows.mutablePackageDirectories">
      <desktop6:MutablePackageDirectories>
        <desktop6:MutablePackageDirectory Target="MyApp" />
      </desktop6:MutablePackageDirectories>
    </desktop6:Extension>
  </Extensions>

here, The aim specifies the name of the subfolder C:\Program Files\ModifiableWindowsApps where the contents of the application installation folder are projected.

How do you modify UWP packages with the Advanced Installer?

If you are an advanced installer user, then you do not need to manually change the AppxManifest file.

All modifications can be made directly through the advanced installer GUI by navigating to statements page and adding Variable packer directories THROUGH Package declaration option.

CONCLUSION

Thanks to the intuitive GUI of the Advanced Installer, manual adjustments to the AppxManifest.xml file are obsolete. With just a few clicks within the advanced installer GUI, users can effortlessly apply the necessary modifications. This streamlines the process for both developers and end users, ensuring efficient and flexible application deployment.