Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of Windows application deployment, IT professionals and software developers are continuously seeking ways to simplify installation, streamline updates, and improve security. We came from very messy beginnings where nearly all software was repackaged using installers with very unsafe installation logic.

Luckily we’ve come a long way with Windows Installer and App-V but one goal has been to make the client applications become more of a container or virtual. One of the most significant shifts in recent years is the growing adoption of MSIX packages.

MSIX is quickly becoming a game-changer, offering benefits that are hard to ignore. In this blog article, we’ll explore the current deployment landscape for Windows applications and discuss why MSIX is emerging as a compelling choice for many organizations.

A Brief History of Windows Application Deployment

Historically, deploying applications on Windows has involved a diverse mix of installation methods:

Traditional Installers (MSI, EXE): The long-standing methods for software deployment. While reliable, these installers can often become complicated, especially when dealing with legacy applications, dependencies, and varying system configurations.

Windows Installer has been a long-standing solution for many developers by using the WIX framework or just being able to update their MSI packages when application updates are necessary. Because of this it still has a loyal base of developers.

Microsoft App-V: While I don’t consider this true application virtualization this was a major step in the right direction. I like to call App-V, app and file redirection with COM isolation.

While being a rather bizzare approach to application packaging it did manage to solve problems mainly in the virtual desktop environment when it came to application co-exis approach to application packaging it did manage to solve problems said about not installing 60+ applications on a VDI server.

ClickOnce Deployments: Introduced to simplify the update process of .NET applications, ClickOnce allows users to install and run applications with minimal administrative overhead. However, its limited customization and configuration options sometimes make it less ideal for enterprise scenarios.

Store Apps and UWP: With the rise of the Microsoft Store and Universal Windows Platform (UWP), there was a push towards sandboxed, secure app environments. Yet, many legacy and enterprise applications fell outside the UWP ecosystem.

Much of this was due to the inflexibility of the application specification. Without significant rework to the application code much of the application functionality may not work. Repackaging is supported but was mostly a disaster because of the prerequisites.

COVID and other factors pushed organizations to transition to cloud-centric solutions, and the need for a more unified, secure, and modern deployment mechanism became increasingly apparent.

Enter MSIX: A New Standard for Application Packaging

MSIX is Microsoft’s latest packaging format, designed to overcome the limitations of earlier technologies while incorporating the best of both worlds from MSI, AppX, and other deployment models. Here are some of the key features that are driving its adoption:

1. Simplified Installation and Updates

MSIX packages provide a cleaner and more reliable installation process. Packages are simple files that do not need proprietary commands to install. Moreover, built-in support for differential updates minimizes download sizes and speeds up the update process, making it ideal for environments that require frequent software updates.

2. Enhanced Security and Reliability

Security is at the forefront of MSIX’s design. With sandboxing capabilities and strict package integrity verification, MSIX helps protect against unauthorized changes and ensures that applications run as intended. This is particularly important in enterprise environments where security vulnerabilities can have wide-reaching impacts.

Because of isolation any devices running Windows in S mode require that all their applications be MSIX packages. The MSIX container is not the only layer of defence but certificates are used to sign and trust MSIX packages.

3. Streamlined Management for IT Administrators

For IT departments, managing applications across diverse endpoints has always been a challenge. MSIX integrates well with modern management tools such as the Windows Store, Microsoft Endpoint Manager (Intune), and MSIXAppAttach making it easier to deploy, update, and retire applications at scale. This centralized control not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances overall system reliability.

4. Support for Legacy and Modern Applications

One of MSIX’s most compelling advantages is its flexibility. While it is designed to be the future of Windows application deployment, it also supports traditional Win32 applications. This means organizations can modernize their deployment strategies without having to completely rewrite legacy applications—providing a smoother transition path.

To be honest this was a rough patch in MSIX history as the issues were worked out but if you have not looked at MSIX I would suggest that you review Tim Mangan’s reports on MSIX compatibility.

https://www.tmurgent.com/appv/en/resources/report-cards

The Shift Towards MSIX: Industry Adoption and Trends

Although not all organizations have made the switch, the momentum behind MSIX adoption is growing:

Enterprise IT Departments: Many are beginning to pilot MSIX to streamline their deployment pipelines and reduce the management overhead associated with traditional installers in high security or virtual environments.

Software Vendors: Many vendors are packaging their applications in MSIX format to ensure compatibility with modern Windows environments and take advantage of the enhanced security features.

Microsoft’s Ecosystem: With Microsoft heavily promoting MSIX as part of its modern management strategy, integration with tools like Windows Virtual Desktop, Windows 365, and Microsoft Endpoint Manager further cements its role in the future of Windows deployment.

Despite these advantages, the transition to MSIX is not without its challenges. Compatibility issues with specific legacy applications and the need for updated packaging tools mean that organizations must carefully plan their migration strategies. However, the long-term benefits in reliability, security, and manageability drive many to leap.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Application Deployment on Windows

The application deployment landscape for Windows is in the midst of a transformation. MSIX stands at the forefront of this change, offering a modern, secure, and efficient way to manage software. As more organizations and vendors recognize its benefits, we can expect to see a broader shift toward this new packaging format but barriers such as application compatibility may still exist.

For IT administrators and developers alike, making an evaluation of MSIX is needed to ensure your organization is properly aligning with the current state of technology and your organization’s needs. Whether you’re considering a pilot program for MSIX or planning a full-scale migration, understanding the current trends and benefits will help you make an informed decision.

While the road to complete MSIX adoption may involve overcoming transitional challenges near the sale of changing out Windows XP to Windows 7, its promise of a simplified, secure, and manageable deployment experience makes it a compelling evolution in the Windows ecosystem. Being able to easily deploy and redeploy Windows endpoints without must user action is the goal.

As we continue to navigate the future of application deployment, MSIX is poised to become the standard for Windows environments, bridging the gap between legacy systems and modern software needs. Despite all this we will see many applications that vendors will not invest in modernization and leave these applications as traditional installations that must either be repackaged by IT or accepted as is.

As always application deployment and management are not a one size fits all solution and the nuances of the organization, and its application portfolio define the true needs for application deployment. Remember to always consider what a user needs to do their job and how you will deliver that workspace to them while using the best administrative and design approaches.