Desktop App Converter updated with new functionality

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Microsoft made the Desktop App Converter tool available in preview form last month, giving developers the ability to convert traditional desktop apps to the UWP platform. The tool picked up an updated earlier today that restores support for Windows 10 Pro, along with auto-detection for file associations, app install path, and more.

Here's the breakdown of all the fixes, as detailed in the official changelog:

  • Restored support for Pro edition of Windows.
  • Converter -Setup flag now enables Windows Containers feature and handles base image expansion. Run the following from an elevated PowerShell prompt to do one time setup: PS C:> .\DesktopAppConverter.ps1 -Setup -BaseImage BaseImage-12345.wim -Verbose
  • Added auto-detection of app install path and moving application root outside of VFS to reduce any unnecessary file system redirections at runtime.
  • Added auto-detection of the expanded base image as part of the conversion process.
  • Added auto-detection for file type associations and protocols.
  • Improved logic to detect Start Menu shortcut.
  • Improved file system filtering to retain app installed MUI files.
  • Updated the minimum supported desktop version (10.0.14342.0) for Project Centennial in the manifest.

If you're looking to get started with the Desktop App Converter, head to the link below for instructions on how to install and configure the utility.

Download Desktop App Converter Preview

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Harish Jonnalagadda
Harish Jonnalagadda
Senior Editor - Asia

Harish Jonnalagadda is a Senior Editor overseeing Asia for Android Central, Windows Central's sister site. When not reviewing phones, he's testing PC hardware, including video cards, motherboards, gaming accessories, and keyboards.