Windows Package Manager (WinGet) has released its 1.12.170-preview version, allowing users to test upcoming features and fix issues before their official release. The latest build includes new functionality such as the MCP server for client configuration assistance and experimental support for Fonts. Bug fixes and improvements have also been made, including resolving manifest validation failures due to UTF-8 BOM encoding and enhancing COM server quiescing. 

Windows Package Manager Preview Release: v1.12.170

The latest preview build of WinGet, version 1.12.170-preview, is now available for those interested in testing upcoming features and resolving issues before their official release. While this version has undergone some practical use, it may still contain bugs or usability problems.

Key Updates

• MCP Server: The new MCP server is accessible by running the command winget mcp. This will guide users through configuring their client for a seamless experience.
• App Installer Upgrade: WinGet's App Installer now utilizes WinUI 3, replacing its dependency on WinUI 2. Additionally, it now relies on the Windows App Runtime 1.7 package.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

• Manifest validation no longer fails due to UTF-8 BOM encoding when the schema header appears on the first line.
• Experimental Features: Experimental support has been added for Fonts in this preview release.

What's Changed Under the Hood

Several key modifications have taken place behind the scenes:

1. Don't Build MCP for Fuzzing: This change prevents unnecessary MCP builds, thanks to a modification by @JohnMcPMS in issue #5625.
2. Resolve NuGet Package Graph: @JohnMcPMS' contributions in issues #5627 and #5633 have resolved the nuget package graph for .NET projects, making it more efficient.
3. Update to Latest MCP NuGet: An update by @JohnMcPMS in issue #5633 ensures WinGet uses the latest MCP NuGet package.
4. WinUI Dependency Change Note: @florelis' modification in issue #5656 has updated the release notes to reflect the change from WinUI 2 to Windows App Runtime 1.7.
5. COM Server Quiescing: The COM server quiescing process has been improved by @JohnMcPMS in issue #5652, enhancing overall system performance.
6. Issue Form Enhancements: @mdanish-kh's contributions in issue #5661 have enhanced the issue forms and added corresponding label triggers for better user experience.
7. Conflict Resolution with Issue Forms: The conflict between issue forms has been resolved by @Trenly in issue #5663.

Please note: This is a preview release, which means it may contain bugs or usability problems.

Windows Package Manager 1.12.170-preview

This is a preview build of WinGet for those interested in trying out upcoming features and fixes. While it has had some use and should be free of major issues, it may have bugs or usability problem...

Release Windows Package Manager 1.12.170-preview · microsoft/winget-cli