What are the steps to create an exe from UWP WinRT code that will not be added to the Windows Store

Question

I did this once, but I having difficulty remembering or finding the web page that gives the steps on how to perform this. Could someone help me. I remember that I had to create a certificate to do this, but beyond that, I don't remember much. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

If you want to sideload your app into another machine, you could check this document: Generate an app package. This is the official document that shows the steps about how to create a sideload app and install it.

I then did some research and found a web page that listed all the steps you had to perform on the code a runnable exe.

Is that web page official documentation from Microsoft? If not, we suggest you use the same way that comes from the official document. And due to the forum policy, we won't suggest other third party links here.

Thank you.

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Answer 2

Hi David Hoffman,

Does this MS web site help, https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt

Also Copilot wrote this so I hope it helps.😊 Sorry I can't find the web site you are looking for.

Copilot

Usingthe web

Sent by Copilot:

To create an executable (exe) from UWP (Universal Windows Platform) WinRT (Windows Runtime) code, follow these steps:

Set Up Your Development Environment:

• Install Visual Studio with the necessary components for UWP development, including the C++/WinRT extension1. Create a New UWP Project:

  - Open Visual Studio and create a new project. [Select “Blank App (C++/WinRT)” as the project template](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt).

  
  **Develop Your Application**:

  
     - Write your application code using C++/WinRT. [This includes creating the UI with XAML and implementing the logic in C++](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt).

     
     **Build the Project**:

     
        - Build your project to ensure there are no errors. [This will generate the necessary files, including the app package](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt).

        
        **Generate an App Package**:

        
           - In Visual Studio, go to **`Project > Store > Create App Packages`**. Follow the wizard to create an app package. [Choose “Sideloading” if you do not intend to publish it to the Microsoft Store](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt)[2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt).

           
           **Sign the App Package**:

           
              - You need to sign your app package with a certificate. [You can create a test certificate in Visual Studio or use an existing one](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt)[2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt).

              
              **Install the App Package**:

              
                 - To install the app on another machine, enable Developer Mode on that machine. [Then, use the ](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)**[`Add-AppxPackage`](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)**[ PowerShell command to install the app package](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)[2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt).

                 
                 **Run the Application**:

                 
                    - [Once installed, you can run your UWP application like any other app on Windows](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt)[2](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/questions/771480/what-are-the-steps-to-create-an-exe-from-uwp-winrt).
```These steps should help you create and run an executable from your UWP WinRT code. [If you need more detailed guidance, the official Microsoft documentation provides comprehensive instructions](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt)[1](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/get-started/create-a-basic-windows-10-app-in-cppwinrt).

Is there a specific part of the process you’d like more details on?
[https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/cpp-and-winrt-apis/intro-to-using-cpp-with-winrt?source=recommendations](https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/uwp/cpp-and-winrt-apis/intro-to-using-cpp-with-winrt?source=recommendations)