APPXMANIFEST File – What is .appxmanifest file and how to open it?
APPXMANIFEST File Extension
Windows 10 App Manifest – file format by Microsoft
APPXMANIFEST is an XML file that defines the metadata of an app. It includes information such as the app’s name, publisher, version, supported languages, and capabilities.
AppX Package Manifest
An APPXMANIFEST file is an XML document that describes the metadata and capabilities of an AppX package, which is the standard packaging format for UWP (Universal Windows Platform) apps. It contains information such as the app’s name, version, publisher, and the resources it requires. The APPXMANIFEST file is essential for installing and running UWP apps and must be included in every AppX package.
Structure and Contents
The structure of an APPXMANIFEST file follows a specific schema defined by Microsoft. The main elements within the file include:
- Identity: Specifies the app’s unique identifier, name, version, publisher, and language.
- Properties: Provides additional metadata such as the app’s display name, description, logo, and supported languages.
- Dependencies: Declares the other AppX packages that the app requires to run.
- Resources: Lists the files and folders that are included in the package.
- Capabilities: Defines the app’s permissions and access to specific features of the operating system, such as location data or camera access.
Opening APPXMANIFEST Files Using Text Editors
APPXMANIFEST files, containing metadata and configuration information for Windows 10 apps, can be opened with any text editor. Common options include Notepad, Notepad++, and Microsoft Visual Studio Code. These editors allow you to view and edit the XML code within the manifest file, providing a detailed understanding of the app’s settings and dependencies.
Additional Options for Viewing APPXMANIFEST Files
Apart from text editors, you can use the Windows 10 Package Viewer tool to open and inspect APPXMANIFEST files. This tool provides a structured view of the manifest file and allows you to navigate through its contents. You can also install the Microsoft App Installer Verification Tool, which enables you to validate the authenticity and integrity of an appx package that includes an APPXMANIFEST file.
APPXMANIFEST File Format
The APPXMANIFEST file is an XML-based manifest that describes the contents and capabilities of a Windows 10 app package. It is required for all Windows 10 apps and provides information about the app’s identity, version, dependencies, permissions, and resources. The APPXMANIFEST file is located in the root directory of the app package and is used by the Windows App Installer to install, update, and manage the app.
APPXMANIFEST Elements and Attributes
The APPXMANIFEST file consists of a root element named “Package,” which contains a collection of child elements and attributes that describe various aspects of the app. These elements include:
- Identity: Defines the unique identity of the app, including its name, version, publisher, and language.
- Applications: Lists the main executable and any other application components included in the package.
- Capabilities: Declares the permissions and capabilities required by the app, such as access to the camera, microphone, or location services.
- Dependencies: Specifies any external libraries or components that the app requires to run.
- Resources: Contains references to the app’s icons, images, and other resources that are used by the app.