Defaults do not create a correct Store package

[TheJoeFin]

Describe the bug

I recently used the Template Studio for a new WinUI app and the default settings for making a packaged app for the Microsoft Store do not create a correct package which can pass the store certification.

The MSIX is too small only like 30mb and does not bundle the runtime like is should. This is the error from the Store submission.

Products may depend on non-integrated software (such as another product or module) to deliver primary functionality only as long as the additional required software is disclosed within the first two lines of the description in the Store. 

.NET Desktop Runtime

Tested devices: Dell Latitude 5400, Microsoft Surface Laptop

To Reproduce

1. Create a new WinUI app
2. Create an App Package
3. Submit to the Microsoft Store
4. Get rejected

Additional context

Defaults should always work. If users need to follow special instructions to stay on the happy path then it isn't going to happen.

<xml
    xmlns:genTemplate="http://schemas.microsoft.com/appx/developer/templatestudio">
    <genTemplate:Metadata>
        <genTemplate:Item Name="generator" Value="Template Studio"/>
        <genTemplate:Item Name="wizardVersion" Version="v5.5" />
        <genTemplate:Item Name="projectType" Value="Blank" />
        <genTemplate:Item Name="framework" Value="MVVMToolkit" />
        <genTemplate:Item Name="platform" Value="WinUI" />
        <genTemplate:Item Name="appmodel" Value="Desktop" />
    </genTemplate:Metadata>
</xml>

Applies to the following platforms:

• [X] WinUI
• [ ] WPF
• [ ] UWP

About your setup

• Visual Studio Version: 17.8.3
• Template Studio Wizard Version: 5.5
• Windows Build: Windows 11 23H2

[mcyenikoylu]

Is this bug still happening? Because I intend to use Template (Template Studio for WinUI (C#)) only for this Microsoft Store MSIX packaging?

[TheJoeFin]

@mcyenikoylu just to be clear, you can get it working by making the package self-contained. I was just calling out that by default with no intervention this fails a submission to the Microsoft Store.