Microsoft wants to beef up the library of Universal Windows Platform apps, but developers haven’t been so eager to put in the time and effort to convert their work to UWP programs.
Today, Microsoft introduced the preview version of a tool to make that process easier. Desktop App Converter, previously known as Project Centennial, converts app installers from older .NET and Win32 configurations to AppX packages that work with Windows 10.
The tool, Microsoft hopes, will help populate the Windows Store with more desktop apps that users were familiar with in older operating systems.
Microsoft is working hard to get developers to create UWP apps, touting releases from Hulu and Box, while also making it easier to port iOS apps to the platform with open-source tools.
This new tool will make it easier for developers of old, but useful apps, to quickly convert them so they can get back to working on new things. That means users who were holding on to previous versions of Windows can upgrade to Windows 10 without losing access to their favorite apps.
But developers also get some benefits for converting apps with the new tool. After conversion, developers can add Windows 10 features like Live Tiles, push notifications and in-app purchases at their own pace.
Developers can also get their apps in front of more users as Windows 10 adoption continues to rise. It’s easier for users to maintain as well, thanks to an easier installation processes and the ability to enable automatic updates.
Right now, the tool is limited to converting legacy desktop apps to Windows 10 desktop apps, but support for mobile conversions is planned for upcoming versions. The preview tool is geared for this summer’s Windows 10 Anniversary update, but works on Enterprise versions of Windows Insider builds available today. Developers can download the preview version of the tool now.
