MSIX is a brand new application packaging format created by the Microsoft. The February 2019 release is available for testing, for those who want to become insiders to the company's program.
MSIX is a new packaging tool, which combines the features of the format used by Store applications (.appx) and the classic Microsoft MSI file packaging format. The new MSIX format supports all types of Windows applications, including apps surfaceς work (Win32), .NET apps, and store apps (UWP) that use AppX.
According to Microsoft, the format of the MSIX package:
- It inherits the functions of UWP.
- Supports customization of applications.
- It has more packet security options.
- Supports all Windows applications.
MSIX also achieves the form of packaging and distribution used from App-V. This form of application packaging can be converted to Desktop App Converter, which allows classic Win32 applications to be packaged for development through it Microsoft Store.
Like the Desktop App Converter, and MSIX applications can have updates and are easy to install and remove. When you uninstall such an application, all of its components will be removed without leaving any data on your computer. But the cost is that it comes as a larger package size of the application.
The MSIX tool enables you to update the existing win32 application packages in the MSIX format. The first version of the MSIX Packaging Tool Insider is now available.
February's release of the Insider Program, ie Release v1.2019.226.0, includes a number of new features and quality improvements. You can find more details of the release from here. And you can join here at Insider program from here.