Add daily DesktopManager app MSI packaging

* feat(app): ✨ Add daily app MSI packaging

* fix(app): 🐛 Address tray startup review feedback

Author: PrzemyslawKlys

.agents/skills/desktopmanager-build/SKILL.md

@@ -15,27 +15,35 @@ Use this skill when the task touches how DesktopManager is built, packaged, or p
    `.\Build\Build-Project.ps1 -Plan`
 3. For PowerShell module-only work, use:
    `.\Build\Build-Module.ps1 -SkipInstall`
-4. For CLI-only publish verification, use:
+4. For CLI/app publish verification, use:
    `.\Build\Build-Project.ps1 -Build:$false -BuildModule:$false`
-5. When checking a specific runtime publish, pass:
+5. For the daily WinUI tray app without installers, use:
+   `.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1`
+6. For the generated DesktopManager app MSI, use:
+   `.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1`
+   The MSI wrapper publishes `DesktopManager.App` as `PortableCompat`.
+7. When checking a specific runtime publish, pass:
    `-Runtimes win-x64`
 
 ## Decision Rules
 
 - Treat `Build/Build-Project.ps1` as the primary repo build and release entrypoint.
 - Prefer changing `Build/project.build.json` and `powerforge.dotnetpublish.json` over hardcoding publish behavior in ad-hoc scripts.
 - Prefer `Build/Build-Module.ps1` for PowerShell packaging behavior instead of editing checked-in artefacts by hand.
+- Prefer the app/MSI wrapper scripts for daily desktop app packaging instead of invoking generated WiX files directly.
 - Verify the resulting behaviour from the real surfaces:
-  NuGet/library, PowerShell import, CLI help, and `desktopmanager mcp serve`.
+  NuGet/library, PowerShell import, CLI help, `desktopmanager mcp serve`, `DesktopManager.App.exe`, and MSI plan/build output.
 - Keep docs aligned with the actual build flow:
   `Docs/Build.Runbook.md`, `README.MD`, and repo-local skills.
 - When packaging or publish output changes, check the expected output locations before concluding:
-  `Artefacts/ProjectBuild`, `Artefacts/Unpacked`, `Artefacts/Packed`, and `Artefacts/PowerForge/DesktopManager`.
+  `Artefacts/ProjectBuild`, `Artefacts/Unpacked`, `Artefacts/Packed`, `Artefacts/PowerForge/DesktopManager`, `Artefacts/PowerForge/DesktopManager.App`, and `Artefacts/PowerForge/Msi/DesktopManager.App`.
 
 ## Reference Files
 
 - `Build/Build-Project.ps1`
 - `Build/Build-Module.ps1`
+- `Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1`
+- `Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1`
 - `Build/project.build.json`
 - `powerforge.dotnetpublish.json`
 - `Docs/Build.Runbook.md`

Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1

@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+param(
+    [string] $ConfigPath = "$PSScriptRoot\..\powerforge.dotnetpublish.json",
+    [ValidateSet('win-x64')]
+    [string[]] $Runtimes = @('win-x64'),
+    [ValidateSet('net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0')]
+    [string[]] $Frameworks = @('net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0'),
+    [ValidateSet('PortableCompat')]
+    [string[]] $Styles = @('PortableCompat'),
+    [switch] $Plan,
+    [switch] $Validate,
+    [switch] $SkipRestore,
+    [switch] $SkipBuild
+)
+
+$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
+
+Import-Module PSPublishModule -Force -ErrorAction Stop
+
+$invokeParams = @{
+    ConfigPath = $ConfigPath
+    Target     = @('DesktopManager.App')
+    Runtimes   = $Runtimes
+    Frameworks = $Frameworks
+    Styles     = $Styles
+}
+
+if ($Plan) { $invokeParams.Plan = $true }
+if ($Validate) { $invokeParams.Validate = $true }
+if ($SkipRestore) { $invokeParams.SkipRestore = $true }
+if ($SkipBuild) { $invokeParams.SkipBuild = $true }
+
+Invoke-DotNetPublish @invokeParams

Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+param(
+    [string] $ConfigPath = "$PSScriptRoot\..\powerforge.dotnetpublish.json",
+    [ValidateSet('win-x64')]
+    [string[]] $Runtimes = @('win-x64'),
+    [ValidateSet('net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0')]
+    [string[]] $Frameworks = @('net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0'),
+    [ValidateSet('PortableCompat')]
+    [string[]] $Styles = @('PortableCompat'),
+    [switch] $Plan,
+    [switch] $Validate,
+    [switch] $SkipRestore,
+    [switch] $SkipBuild
+)
+
+$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
+
+Import-Module PSPublishModule -Force -ErrorAction Stop
+
+$invokeParams = @{
+    ConfigPath      = $ConfigPath
+    Target          = @('DesktopManager.App')
+    Runtimes        = $Runtimes
+    Frameworks      = $Frameworks
+    Styles          = $Styles
+    SkipInstallers  = $true
+}
+
+if ($Plan) { $invokeParams.Plan = $true }
+if ($Validate) { $invokeParams.Validate = $true }
+if ($SkipRestore) { $invokeParams.SkipRestore = $true }
+if ($SkipBuild) { $invokeParams.SkipBuild = $true }
+
+Invoke-DotNetPublish @invokeParams

Build/Build-Project.ps1

@@ -1,23 +1,67 @@
 param(
     [string] $ConfigPath = "$PSScriptRoot\project.build.json",
+    [string] $DotNetPublishConfigPath = "$PSScriptRoot\..\powerforge.dotnetpublish.json",
     [Nullable[bool]] $UpdateVersions,
     [Nullable[bool]] $Build,
+    [bool] $BuildModule = $true,
+    [bool] $PublishTools = $true,
     [Nullable[bool]] $PublishNuget = $false,
     [Nullable[bool]] $PublishGitHub = $false,
-    [Nullable[bool]] $Plan,
-    [string] $PlanPath
+    [switch] $Plan,
+    [string] $PlanPath,
+    [string[]] $Target = @(),
+    [string[]] $Runtimes = @(),
+    [string[]] $Frameworks = @(),
+    [ValidateSet('Portable', 'PortableCompat', 'PortableSize', 'FrameworkDependent', 'AotSpeed', 'AotSize')]
+    [string[]] $Styles = @(),
+    [switch] $SkipInstallers,
+    [switch] $Validate,
+    [switch] $SkipRestore,
+    [switch] $SkipBuild
 )
 
 Import-Module PSPublishModule -Force -ErrorAction Stop
 
+function Invoke-DesktopManagerDotNetPublish {
+    $dotNetPublishParams = @{
+        ConfigPath = $DotNetPublishConfigPath
+    }
+
+    if ($Target.Count -gt 0) { $dotNetPublishParams.Target = $Target }
+    if ($Runtimes.Count -gt 0) { $dotNetPublishParams.Runtimes = $Runtimes }
+    if ($Frameworks.Count -gt 0) { $dotNetPublishParams.Frameworks = $Frameworks }
+    if ($Styles.Count -gt 0) { $dotNetPublishParams.Styles = $Styles }
+    if ($Plan) { $dotNetPublishParams.Plan = $true }
+    if ($Validate) { $dotNetPublishParams.Validate = $true }
+    if ($SkipInstallers) { $dotNetPublishParams.SkipInstallers = $true }
+    if ($SkipRestore) { $dotNetPublishParams.SkipRestore = $true }
+    if ($SkipBuild) { $dotNetPublishParams.SkipBuild = $true }
+
+    Invoke-DotNetPublish @dotNetPublishParams
+}
+
+$dotNetPublishInvoked = $false
+if ($Plan -and $PublishTools) {
+    Invoke-DesktopManagerDotNetPublish
+    $dotNetPublishInvoked = $true
+}
+
 $invokeParams = @{
     ConfigPath = $ConfigPath
 }
 if ($null -ne $UpdateVersions) { $invokeParams.UpdateVersions = $UpdateVersions }
 if ($null -ne $Build) { $invokeParams.Build = $Build }
 if ($null -ne $PublishNuget) { $invokeParams.PublishNuget = $PublishNuget }
 if ($null -ne $PublishGitHub) { $invokeParams.PublishGitHub = $PublishGitHub }
-if ($null -ne $Plan) { $invokeParams.Plan = $Plan }
+if ($Plan) { $invokeParams.Plan = $true }
 if ($PlanPath) { $invokeParams.PlanPath = $PlanPath }
 
 Invoke-ProjectBuild @invokeParams
+
+if ($BuildModule -and -not $Plan) {
+    & (Join-Path $PSScriptRoot 'Build-Module.ps1') -SkipInstall
+}
+
+if ($PublishTools -and -not $dotNetPublishInvoked) {
+    Invoke-DesktopManagerDotNetPublish
+}

Build/Installer/DesktopManager-License.rtf

@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+{\rtf1\ansi\deff0
+{\fonttbl{\f0 Segoe UI;}}
+\f0\fs20
+DesktopManager\par
+\par
+Copyright (c) 2011 - 2026 Przemyslaw Klys @ Evotec. All rights reserved.\par
+\par
+This installer is provided for DesktopManager daily desktop use. Install it only on machines where you are allowed to run Evotec desktop automation tooling.\par
+\par
+DesktopManager can inspect and automate desktop windows, controls, input, monitor state, screenshots, and related local desktop resources. Review the app settings before enabling startup or unattended workflows.\par
+}

Docs/Build.Runbook.md

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 # DesktopManager Build Runbook
 
-DesktopManager now uses one repo entrypoint for package, module, and CLI outputs:
+DesktopManager uses one repo entrypoint for package, module, CLI, app, and installer outputs:
 
 ```powershell
 .\Build\Build-Project.ps1
@@ -9,13 +9,17 @@ DesktopManager now uses one repo entrypoint for package, module, and CLI outputs
 ## Build Surfaces
 
 - `Build/Build-Project.ps1`
-  Orchestrates repository package build, PowerShell module build, and CLI publish.
+  Orchestrates repository package build, PowerShell module build, CLI publish, app publish, and installer publish.
+- `Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1`
+  Publishes the daily-use WinUI tray app without building installers.
+- `Build/Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1`
+  Publishes the WinUI tray app and builds the generated MSI installer.
 - `Build/project.build.json`
   Controls `Invoke-ProjectBuild` for the `DesktopManager` NuGet package and GitHub/NuGet release settings.
 - `Build/Build-Module.ps1`
   Builds the PowerShell module artefacts using `Invoke-ModuleBuild`.
 - `powerforge.dotnetpublish.json`
-  Controls `Invoke-DotNetPublish` for the `desktopmanager.exe` publish output.
+  Controls `Invoke-DotNetPublish` for `desktopmanager.exe`, `DesktopManager.App.exe`, the app zip, and the generated MSI.
 
 ## Common Commands
 
@@ -43,12 +47,42 @@ Build module only:
 .\Build\Build-Module.ps1 -SkipInstall
 ```
 
-Build CLI output only:
+Build CLI and app outputs only:
 
 ```powershell
 .\Build\Build-Project.ps1 -Build:$false -BuildModule:$false
 ```
 
+Build the daily tray app portable output only:
+
+```powershell
+.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1
+```
+
+Plan the app MSI without compiling:
+
+```powershell
+.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1 -Plan
+```
+
+Build the app MSI:
+
+```powershell
+.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1
+```
+
+Install it interactively:
+
+```powershell
+msiexec.exe /i .\Artefacts\PowerForge\Msi\DesktopManager.App\win-x64\net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0\PortableCompat\output\DesktopManager.msi
+```
+
+Use silent install only when automation intentionally asks for it:
+
+```powershell
+msiexec.exe /i .\Artefacts\PowerForge\Msi\DesktopManager.App\win-x64\net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0\PortableCompat\output\DesktopManager.msi /qn
+```
+
 Publish the NuGet package using the repo config:
 
 ```powershell
@@ -64,7 +98,7 @@ Publish the GitHub release asset using the repo config:
 Publish a specific CLI runtime:
 
 ```powershell
-.\Build\Build-Project.ps1 -Build:$false -BuildModule:$false -Runtimes win-x64
+.\Build\Build-Project.ps1 -Build:$false -BuildModule:$false -Target DesktopManager.Cli.net10 -Runtimes win-x64 -SkipInstallers
 ```
 
 ## Output Locations
@@ -76,12 +110,21 @@ Publish a specific CLI runtime:
   `Artefacts/Packed`
 - CLI publish output and manifests:
   `Artefacts/PowerForge/DesktopManager`
+- Daily app publish output and zip:
+  `Artefacts/PowerForge/DesktopManager.App`
+- Daily app MSI staging, generated WiX authoring, and installer output:
+  `Artefacts/PowerForge/Msi/DesktopManager.App`
 
 ## Notes
 
 - `Build-Project.ps1` is the only package and release entrypoint in this repo.
 - `Build-Project.ps1 -Plan` skips the module build execution because the module path does not expose the same standalone plan surface here.
 - The CLI publish targets package `Sources/DesktopManager.Cli/DesktopManager.Cli.csproj` as `desktopmanager.exe` for both `net8.0-windows` and `net10.0-windows`.
+- The daily app publish target packages `Sources/DesktopManager.App/DesktopManager.App.csproj` as an unpackaged, self-contained WinUI app under `DesktopManager.App`.
+- The WinUI app is not forced into NativeAOT. The nested `DesktopManager.HotkeyHost` remains NativeAOT, while the app uses a self-contained publish profile that avoids WinAppSDK single-file and NativeAOT limitations.
+- The generated MSI uses PowerForge/WiX installer UI, creates a Start Menu shortcut, and records the install path under `HKLM\Software\Evotec\DesktopManager`.
+- DesktopManager autostart stays a per-user app setting. The app writes the current user's Run key with `--minimized`, so Windows sign-in starts the tray runtime without opening the main window.
+- The MSI output, manifest, and checksums are the intended inputs for later winget release work. Microsoft Store/MSIX packaging should stay in PowerForge config when that lane is added.
 - The CLI includes the MCP server entrypoint exposed by:
 
 ```powershell

README.MD

@@ -73,6 +73,7 @@ Additional operator-focused docs for the newer CLI and MCP surfaces:
 | PowerShell module | Scripts, operators, admin workflows, repeatable task automation | `Install-Module DesktopManager` |
 | CLI executable | Manual use, shell automation, JSON output, and MCP hosting | `desktopmanager.exe` |
 | MCP server | Agent-driven automation over stdio with an inspect-first safety model | `desktopmanager mcp serve` |
+| Windows tray app | Daily hotkeys, monitor bindings, HDR controls, tray runtime, and per-user startup | `DesktopManager.App.exe` |
 
 ## How It Fits Together
 
@@ -84,6 +85,7 @@ flowchart LR
     C["PowerShell module"] --> B
     D["desktopmanager.exe CLI"] --> B
     E["MCP server"] --> D
+    J["DesktopManager.App tray app"] --> B
     B --> F["Windows desktop APIs"]
     F --> G["Monitors / wallpapers / brightness"]
     F --> H["Windows / controls / input"]
@@ -105,6 +107,7 @@ The practical way to think about this:
 | ---- | ---------------------- |
 | Add DesktopManager features to your own code | Reference the `DesktopManager` NuGet package |
 | Run manual desktop operations from a terminal | `desktopmanager.exe` |
+| Run DesktopManager every day from the tray | `DesktopManager.App.exe` or the DesktopManager MSI |
 | Use it from PowerShell scripts | `DesktopManager` PowerShell module |
 | Connect an agent/tooling layer | `desktopmanager mcp serve` |
 | Understand the overall wiring | [Docs/DesktopManager.Architecture.md](Docs/DesktopManager.Architecture.md) |
@@ -118,10 +121,12 @@ flowchart LR
     B -->|"PowerShell"| D["Cmdlets"]
     B -->|"CLI"| E["desktopmanager.exe"]
     B -->|"MCP"| F["desktopmanager mcp serve"]
+    B -->|"Tray app"| J["DesktopManager.App.exe"]
 
     D --> C
     E --> G["DesktopOperations"]
     F --> G
+    J --> C
     G --> C
     C --> H["Win32, UI Automation, monitor, screenshot, and input services"]
 ```
@@ -260,6 +265,16 @@ For using in PowerShell you can install it from PowerShell Gallery
 Install-Module DesktopManager -Force -Verbose
 ```
 
+For the daily Windows tray app, use the DesktopManager MSI release artifact when available. The installer creates a Start Menu shortcut, and the app's Startup toggle registers the current user for minimized tray startup.
+
+From source, the app and MSI are built through PowerForge:
+
+```powershell
+.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp.ps1
+.\Build\Build-DesktopManagerApp-MSI.ps1
+msiexec.exe /i .\Artefacts\PowerForge\Msi\DesktopManager.App\win-x64\net10.0-windows10.0.19041.0\PortableCompat\output\DesktopManager.msi
+```
+
 ### Verified mutation examples
 
 When you want more than "the call did not throw", prefer `-Verify` together with `-PassThru` so the cmdlet returns the observed postcondition.

Sources/DesktopManager.App/App.xaml.cs

@@ -27,7 +27,30 @@ protected override void OnLaunched(LaunchActivatedEventArgs args) {
             return;
         }
 
+        bool startMinimized = ShouldStartMinimized(args.Arguments, Environment.GetCommandLineArgs());
         _window = new MainWindow();
         _window.Activate();
+        if (startMinimized && _window is MainWindow mainWindow) {
+            mainWindow.HideToTrayAfterLaunch();
+        }
+    }
+
+    private static bool ShouldStartMinimized(string? launchArguments, string[] processArguments) {
+        if (processArguments.Any(IsMinimizedArgument)) {
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(launchArguments)) {
+            return false;
+        }
+
+        string[] parts = launchArguments.Split(' ', StringSplitOptions.RemoveEmptyEntries | StringSplitOptions.TrimEntries);
+        return parts.Any(IsMinimizedArgument);
+    }
+
+    private static bool IsMinimizedArgument(string argument) {
+        return string.Equals(argument, "--minimized", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) ||
+            string.Equals(argument, "--minimized-to-tray", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase) ||
+            string.Equals(argument, "/minimized", StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
     }
 }

Sources/DesktopManager.App/DesktopManager.App.csproj

@@ -25,8 +25,13 @@
     <ProjectReference Include="..\DesktopManager.App.Core\DesktopManager.App.Core.csproj" />
   </ItemGroup>
 
+  <PropertyGroup>
+    <DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets Condition="'$(NoRestore)' == 'true' Or '$(Restore)' == 'false'">Publish</DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets>
+    <DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets Condition="'$(DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets)' == ''">Restore;Publish</DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets>
+  </PropertyGroup>
+
   <Target Name="PublishHotkeyHost" BeforeTargets="Build;Publish">
-    <MSBuild Projects="$(MSBuildProjectDirectory)\..\DesktopManager.HotkeyHost\DesktopManager.HotkeyHost.csproj" Targets="Publish" Properties="Configuration=$(Configuration);TargetFramework=$(DesktopManagerNet10WindowsTfm);RuntimeIdentifier=win-x64" />
+    <MSBuild Projects="$(MSBuildProjectDirectory)\..\DesktopManager.HotkeyHost\DesktopManager.HotkeyHost.csproj" Targets="$(DesktopManagerHotkeyHostTargets)" Properties="Configuration=$(Configuration);TargetFramework=$(DesktopManagerNet10WindowsTfm);RuntimeIdentifier=win-x64" />
   </Target>
 
   <Target Name="CopyHotkeyHostDependencies" AfterTargets="Build">