Windows Executable Packaging

Windows Executable Packaging Guide

WebToApp Studio Pro compiles websites and static web assets into high-performance, lightweight Windows desktop applications powered by Microsoft Edge WebView2.

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Key Advantages over Electron

• Ultra-Small Footprint: Electron applications require 150MB+ just for the base framework. WebToApp Studio executables are only ~14 MB.
• Minimal RAM Consumption: Uses the system evergreen WebView2 runtime, consuming ~50 MB RAM instead of 200MB+ in Chromium wrappers.
• Native Windows Integration: Windows Forms and Win32 interop for native System Tray, DWM Immersive Dark Mode title bars, and PE metadata.

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Virtual HTTPS Host (https://app.local/*)

Local files packaged into desktop apps often suffer from CORS security blocks under the file:// protocol (blocking Canvas pixel data, Web Audio, ES6 module imports, and WebAssembly).

WebToApp Studio routes all local assets through a secure virtual host:

https://app.local/index.html
https://app.local/js/bundle.js
https://app.local/assets/game.wasm

• 100% CORS-free offline execution.
• IndexedDB, LocalStorage, Canvas, and Web Audio work identically to a live HTTPS server.

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Windows Customization Options

• Window Dimensions & Presets: Choose standard presets (FHD 1080p, 1280x800, Compact 1024x768) or custom dimensions with minimum width/height guards.
• Fullscreen & Kiosk Mode: Launch applications in dedicated borderless kiosk mode for digital signage and arcade terminals.
• Single Instance Mutex: Guarantees only one instance of your application runs at a time.
• System Tray Minimization: Minimize the application to the Windows notification tray with a custom tray icon and context menu.
• Native Inno Setup Generator: Automatically generates setup_script.iss to compile professional Windows setup installers with Inno Setup Compiler.