Desktop App Converter gets some real improvements in latest update

Kit McDonald

Microsoft’s Desktop App Converter (a.k.a. Project Centennial) that makes it possible to convert your .NET 4.6.1 or Win32 desktop apps to the Universal Windows Platform recieved an update today (via Neowin). In version 1.0.4.0, the Desktop App Converter tool was improved and had some added support, including running it from admin cmd and PowerShell windows.

Here is the full changelog:

  • With the store app you can now use the new entry point ‘DesktopAppConverter.exe’ to run the converter from anywhere in an admin cmd or PowerShell window
  • Improved Manifest schema validation
  • Improved error messaging Validation of supported minor Windows versions
  • Improved Manifest schema validation
  • Support for auto-signing the converted apps produced by the Desktop App Converter.
  • Added support for auto-detecting app dependencies on VC++ libraries and then converting them into AppX manifest dependencies.
  • Updated the manifest schema to align with the Windows 10 Anniversary Update release (10.0.14393.0).

You can download the tool for free via the Windows Store. However, to fully utilize the Desktop App Converter, you’ll need to get the Windows 10 base image from the Microsoft Download Center.

Desktop App Converter
Desktop App Converter