.Net Framework 4.8 WinForms apps on store

StewartBW 1,480 Reputation points
2025-04-02T09:37:24.7933333+00:00

Hello

Since the Store can accept apps written with .Net Framework 4.8 WinForms, what happens to the UWP File access permissions?

The WinForms app can read/write anywhere, I've tested the appx/msix.

So, it will get rejected?

Also, I write my app's data to:

C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\Company\Product

But when sideloaded the appx/msix version, it's not written there, but seems that it's handled internally/automatically by the store itself and it works, I just don't see where is saved?!

Thanks :)

Windows Forms
Windows Forms
A set of .NET Framework managed libraries for developing graphical user interfaces.
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  1. Jack J Jun 25,296 Reputation points
    2025-04-02T12:17:22.86+00:00

    @StewartBW, Welcome to Microsoft Q&A,

    what happens to the UWP File access permissions?

    • WinForms apps packaged as MSIX retain more of their traditional full-trust behavior.
    • By default, MSIX-packaged WinForms apps cannot access arbitrary locations on the file system unless you explicitly declare the required capabilities in the manifest.
    • Your app might not be outright rejected unless it violates Store policies (e.g., accessing system directories without permission).

    But when sideloaded the appx/msix version, it's not written there, but seems that it's handled internally/automatically by the store itself and it works, I just don't see where is saved?!

    MSIX uses redirection and virtualization for certain system folders like AppData\Roaming and AppData\Local.

    When your app writes to C:\Users\Admin\AppData\Roaming\Company\Product, MSIX redirects those writes to:

    
    C:\Users\<UserName>\AppData\Local\Packages\<YourAppPackageId>\LocalCache
    
    
    

    And based on my test, it indeed has some changes in the above path:

    User's image

    Hope my explanation could help you.

    Best Regards,

    Jack


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