This sample demonstrates how to use winapp CLI with a C++ application built with CMake to add package identity and package as MSIX.

For a complete step-by-step guide, see the C++ Getting Started Guide.

• Basic C++ console application built with CMake
• Using Windows App Model APIs to retrieve package identity
• Using winapp run to run the app packaged (registers a loose layout package, just like a real MSIX install)
• MSIX packaging with app manifest and assets

• Visual Studio Native Desktop workload or Visual Studio with C++ development tools
• CMake 3.20 or later
• WinApp CLI installed

winapp restore

cmake -B build
cmake --build build --config Debug

.\build\Debug\cpp-app.exe

Output should be: "Not packaged"

winapp run .\build\Debug

This registers a loose layout package (just like a real MSIX install), then launches the app via its execution alias so console output stays in the current terminal.

Output should show the Package Family Name.

Note: A console app is launched through an execution alias automatically, so --with-alias is only needed to force one for a windowed app. This sample's appxmanifest.xml declares its own uap5:ExecutionAlias, which winapp uses as-is; otherwise winapp stages one into the AppX layout for you. Add one to an appxmanifest.xml with winapp manifest add-alias.