Create and Deploy a WinForm application to the Microsoft Store - without a Digital Certificate

source:

https://docs.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/msix/desktop/desktop-to-uwp-packaging-dot-net

1)    In the Microsoft Partner Center, Go to the Windows & Xbox section - this is for UWP apps and Desktop Bridge - You don’t need your own cert for this.
https://partner.microsoft.com/en-us/dashboard/windows/overview

2)    Click Create New App and reserve a name.

3)    In Visual Studio

a)    Add new project, select Windows Application Packaging Project

b)    When prompted, set the minimum version to ‘Anniversary Update’

c)    Add Reference

d)    Add the Winform project and any others. If multiple, you have to set one up as the startup (Set as Entry Point)

e)    Build and make sure no errors

4)    Configure the project

a)    Double click Package.appxmanifest in the Project Explorer

b)    Set the Display Name and Description in the Application tab

c)    Use Asset Generator in the Visual Assets tab

d)    In Capabilities tab, check whatever capabilities your app uses.

e)    While in the Packaging tab, right click the Packaging project and select Publish > Associate App with the Store. This should automatically populate some fields.

5)    To test the application locally, Right click the Packaging project, select Publish and choose Sideloading

6)    Once built, using File Explorer go into the xxx_Test folder and right click on Add-AppDevPackage.ps1, then selecting Run with PowerShell

7)    Right click the Packaging project, select Publish and choose Associate App with Store

8)    Right click the Packaging project, select Publish and choose Create App Packages

9) Upload the resulting .appxupload to the Microsoft Store, under Packages