Purpose

Note  For Windows 10, seeWhat's different in Windows 10.

The package manifest is an XML document that contains the info the system needs to deploy, display, or update a Windows app. This info includes package identity, package dependencies, required capabilities, visual elements, and extensibility points. Every app package must include one package manifest.

The package manifest is digitally signed as part of signing the app package. After signing, you can't modify the manifest without invalidating the package signature. After the package has been installed, the package manifest file appears in the directory for the installed package.

Developer audience

Visual Studio automatically creates a package manifest. You can also create a package manifest using a text editor.

In this section

• Package manifest schema reference
• How to create a package manifest manually
• Previous app package manifest schemas

Related topics

Packaging apps