How to make a C# Windows Forms app , converted for the Windows Store, start with Windows

Question

I have created a Windows Forms C# app called "Desktop Web Tiles", that creates a panel with four websites that run with Microsoft Edge.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/desktop-web-tiles/9pmp8f1nqcj7?activetab=pivot:overviewtab

I converted the app with Desktop Bridge for Windows Store and published it. The only problem is I cannot make the Windows Store app run at startup for the end user. Looking around I found this link:

https://blogs.windows.com/windowsdeveloper/2017/08/01/configure-app-start-log/#V6oroyVxClAEehF6.97

It says to use the "windows.startupTask" Extension in my app manifest to make the app autostartup. The problem is I don't know much about handling the app manifest and I am stuck. It is essential for my app to start with windows, because it is fundamental for its usage. I would appreciate your help.

Answer 1

The problem is I don't know much about handling the app manifest and I am stuck.

If you used Desktop Bridge you will find Package.appxmanifest file where in the Windows Application Packaging Project, Then double click appxmanifest file - > press F7 view code-> Add the following to appxmanifest file.

xmlns:desktop="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/manifest/desktop/windows10"
IgnorableNamespaces="uap mp rescap desktop">

  ......

<Applications>
  <Application Id="App"
    Executable="$targetnametoken$.exe"
    EntryPoint="$targetentrypoint$">

  .....

    <Extensions>
      <desktop:Extension
 Category="windows.startupTask"
 Executable="DesktopApp\DesktopApp.exe"
 EntryPoint="Windows.FullTrustApplication">
        <desktop:StartupTask
          TaskId="MyStartupId"
          Enabled="false"
          DisplayName="TestWinFormApp" />
      </desktop:Extension>
    </Extensions>
  </Application>
</Applications>

Run your app and enable app's startup in the startup list. For detail steps please refer provided blog. For better understanding I share appxmanifest here.