I've created a custom C#/WPF application that can send toast notifications that has an activator that can handle activation. I'm using WiX to deploy the solution and create a shortcut with ShortcutProperty elements for System.AppUserModel.ID and System.AppUserModel.ToastActivatorCLSID.
Everything works perfectly as expected but I wonder one thing. Is it possible to register the ToastActivator without creating a shortcut? This program is going to be used on an internal enterprise network and I don't intend for it to have any UI. It'll be launched by the Task Scheduler, check a web service and send toast messages to the user when they apply.
If I must have a shortcut, the best UX I can think of is to just diplay an about dialog and exit.
Based on the Application Model Microsoft has, any UWP feature like notification center, toasts etc can only be done by a registered application.
An application is "registered" when its added to the start menu with a link.
There has to be a valid shortcut with a System.AppUserModel.Id otherwise all the new win10 features do not work.
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/shell/quickstart-sending-desktop-toast