Microsoft aimed to address this issue with the MSIX format, ensuring that when an application or package is uninstalled, all references to the application are completely removed from the system.

Microsoft introduced MSIX in 2018 as an enhanced version of the AppX package format, which was initially used exclusively for Universal Windows Platform apps. The goal of this format was to better accommodate traditional desktop applications on Windows 10. Microsoft tried to apply insights from MSI, App-V packages and the Desktop Bridge program when it designed and released MSIX.

However, in the original announcement, Microsoft also indicated that the road to MSIX would be a journey and it would take several releases to complete all the functionality needed.

Looking at MSIX structurally, it is a package format that is similar to an AppX or App-V package. Essentially, it is a zip file that includes the application files and configuration XML files.

MSIX supports modern development practices while still providing extensive support for older Win32 applications, including traditional x86 and x64 unmanaged-code apps and .NET Framework-based applications. This means admins can package a standard desktop application using the new MSIX format and deploy it using existing tools such as Configuration Manager and Intune.