How do I easily automate the publishing of a Microsoft Store app using Azure Devops pipelines?

Hi @Sysadmin,

Thanks for the details!

How do I easily automate the publishing of a Microsoft Store app using Azure Devops pipelines?

From what I can gather, Visual Studio simplifies packaging and publishing, but Azure DevOps can automate the same steps with the right tools and APIs. The process involves three main stages:

1. Package Your App for Store Submission

Visual Studio generates a .msixbundle or .msixupload for the Store. In Azure DevOps, configure your pipeline to build and package the app using MSBuild or the MSIX Packaging Extension:

• Build the solution.
• Generate the MSIX/AppX package for Store upload.

Reference:

• MSIX Packaging Extension – Microsoft Learn
• Configure CI/CD pipeline with YAML for MSIX

2. Submit to Microsoft Store Automatically

Visual Studio handles submission behind the scenes, but in a pipeline you use the Microsoft Store submission API via Partner Center or the Windows Store Publish extension to submit your package automatically. This requires:

• Registering an Azure AD app for authentication.
• Using the API to upload your .msixupload file and commit the submission.

3. Optional: Certification Tests

Visual Studio runs the Windows App Certification Kit before submission. You can add this step in your pipeline using its command-line interface.

Reference: Run WACK tests from the command line

In short: MSIX Packaging Extension creates the signed package → WACK validates the package for Store compliance → Submission API or Publish Extension uploads and commits the package to the Microsoft Store. These steps form a sequential pipeline: build → certify → publish. Once configured, the process runs end-to-end without manual interaction.

I hope this answers your question!