Why Does My Microsoft Store MSIX Show CN=GUID as the Publisher?

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Why Does My Microsoft Store MSIX Show CN=GUID as the Publisher?

Mahdi Hosseini 310

I created an .msixupload package for publishing my app to Microsoft Store using the following steps:

Right-click the project and select Associate App with the Store.

Right-click the project again, choose Create App Packages, and select Create package for Microsoft Store.

My app has been successfully published to the Microsoft Store. However, when I download the generated .msix file from https://store.rg-adguard.net/, I notice that the Publisher name shown in the package details is not human-friendly. Instead of displaying my company or publisher name, it shows an identifier-like value:

CN=XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX

Why is the Publisher name displayed this way, and is there a way to make it show a friendly publisher name instead?

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Answer 1

Hello @Mahdi Hosseini

Thanks for your question.

When you associate your app with the Microsoft Store, Microsoft legally requires the app package's identity to match your unique Microsoft Partner Center Publisher ID (that long string of characters).

Because you downloaded the .msix file directly from a third-party site (store.rg-adguard.net) and opened it manually, Windows is using the basic, offline "App Installer" to open it. This offline installer simply reads the raw background ID required by Microsoft and displays it on the screen.

When regular users download your app natively through the official Microsoft Store app, they will not see this installation prompt or that long ID. The Microsoft Store automatically cross-references your ID with their database and displays your friendly publisher name (For ex: "Your Company Name") directly on your store listing page. Therefore, I recommend that you do not need to change anything. Your users will see your friendly name when downloading from the Store.

If you plan to host the .msix file on your own website for people to download directly (sideloading), you will need to create a separate package that is not associated with the Store, and sign it with your own trusted Code Signing Certificate. This will ensure your friendly name appears on the App Installer prompt.

For more information, you can refer to Sign your MSIX package: end-to-end guide.

I hope this addresses your question. If this response was helpful, please consider following the guidance to provide feedback.