# PowerToys installer instructions ## MSI installer instructions 1. Install the [WiX Toolset Visual Studio 2019 Extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=RobMensching.WiXToolset). 2. Install the [WiX Toolset build tools](https://wixtoolset.org/releases/) in the development machine. 3. Open `powertoys.sln`, select the "Release" and "x64" configurations and build the `PowerToysSetup` project. 4. The resulting installer will be built to `PowerToysSetup\bin\Release\PowerToysSetup.msi`. ## MSIX installer instructions ### One-time tasks #### Create and install the self-sign certificate For the first-time installation, you'll need to generate a self-signed certificate. The script below will generate and add a cert to your [TRCA store](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/trusted-root-certification-authorities-certificate-store). 1. Open `Developer PowerShell for VS` as an Admin 2. Navigate to your repo's `installer\MSIX` 3. Run `.\generate_self_sign_cert.ps1` **Note:** if you delete the folder, you will have to regenerate the key #### Elevate `Developer PowerShell for VS` permissions due to unsigned file `msix_reinstall.ps1` is unsigned, you'll need to elevate your prompt. 1. Open `Developer PowerShell for VS` as admin 2. Run `Set-ExecutionPolicy -executionPolicy Unrestricted` #### Allow Sideloaded apps In order to install the MSIX package without using the Microsoft Store, sideloading apps needs to be enabled. This can be done by enabling `Developer Options > Sideload apps` or `Developer Options > Developer mode`. ### Building the MSIX package 1. Make sure you've built the `Release` configuration of `powertoys.sln` 2. Open `Developer PowerShell for VS` 3. Navigate to your repo's `installer\MSIX` 4. Run `.\msix_reinstall.ps1` from the devenv powershell ### What msix_reinstall.ps1 does `msix_reinstall.ps1` removes the current PowerToys installation, restarts explorer.exe (to update PowerRename shell extension), builds `PowerToys-x64.msix` package, signs it with a PowerToys_TemporaryKey.pfx, and finally installs it. ## Cleanup - Removing all .msi/.msix PowerToys installations ```ps $name='PowerToys' Get-AppxPackage -Name $name | select -ExpandProperty "PackageFullName" | Remove-AppxPackage gwmi win32_product -filter "Name = '$name'" -namespace root/cimv2 | foreach { if ($_.uninstall().returnvalue -eq 0) { write-host "Successfully uninstalled $name " } else { write-warning "Failed to uninstall $name." } } ```