Wsappbak

WSAppBak (Windows Store App Backupper) is a lightweight, open-source utility designed specifically for backing up and repacking Windows Store apps (APPX/MSIX). It is primarily hosted on GitHub. Review Overview

Purpose: It simplifies the process of creating backup packages of installed Windows Store applications, which is often difficult to do manually due to Windows' restricted WindowsApps folder permissions. Functionality:

Backing Up: It allows users to select installed apps and export them into a portable format.

Repacking: It can repackage app files into installable .appx or .msix files.

Target Audience: Power users, developers, and those looking to archive specific versions of Windows Store apps before they are updated or removed from the store. Key Pros & Cons Pros:

Open Source: The source code is transparently available for review and modification.

Portability: Helps create backups of apps that normally cannot be easily moved or saved. wsappbak

Simplicity: It automates the complex command-line or permission-heavy steps usually required for APPX management. Cons:

Limited Support: As an indie project with roughly 330+ stars on GitHub, it may lack frequent updates or professional documentation.

Technical Knowledge: Users typically need to be comfortable with the Windows environment and potentially managing developer mode settings to install the repacked files. Wapitiii/WSAppBak: APPX Backupper and Repacker - GitHub

WSAppBak * Resources. Readme. * Stars. 334 stars. * Watchers. 3 watching. * Forks. 36 forks.

WSAppBak/WSAppBak.cs at master · Wapitiii/WSAppBak - GitHub

WSAppBak/WSAppBak. cs at master · Wapitiii/WSAppBak · GitHub. Wapitiii/WSAppBak: APPX Backupper and Repacker - GitHub WSAppBak (Windows Store App Backupper) is a lightweight,

WSAppBak * Resources. Readme. * Stars. 334 stars. * Watchers. 3 watching. * Forks. 36 forks.

WSAppBak/WSAppBak.cs at master · Wapitiii/WSAppBak - GitHub

WSAppBak/WSAppBak. cs at master · Wapitiii/WSAppBak · GitHub.

Advanced Insights: What Data Does WSAPPBAK Contain?

Using a hex editor (like HxD), curious users have inspected the wsappbak file. The contents often include:

In essence, it tells the Windows installer: “During the final setup stages, attempt to preload or reserve space for these built-in apps.”

Without wsappbak, Windows Setup proceeds normally but may download fresh copies of Store apps from the internet instead of staging them locally. For most users, this difference is unnoticeable. Advanced Insights: What Data Does WSAPPBAK Contain

Creating a Wsappbak File

Creating a wsappbak file typically involves using IIS Manager or the command line. Here’s a basic overview of how to create a backup:

5. Restoring from a backup

wsappbak itself does not restore. Use wsappdeploy (same ADK) or manual steps:

wsappdeploy /deploy /package <backupPackagePath> /target <appxManifest.xml>

Or simpler: use PowerShell to reinstall + restore data manually:

Add-AppxPackage -Register <path\to\appxmanifest.xml> -DisableDevelopmentMode

⚠️ Data restore often requires copying back the %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages\<PackageFamilyName>\ contents from the backup.

How to Prevent WSAPPBAK from Appearing

If you are annoyed by this file cluttering your USB drives, you can prevent its creation by:

Note that the file is harmless, so prevention is purely a matter of personal preference.

4. Step-by-Step Usage

Method 2: Command Prompt (for hidden/system files)

If the file is marked as hidden or system-protected:

attrib -r -a -s -h wsappbak
del wsappbak