Microsoft Edge Enhances PWAs with App Actions for Streamlined Windows Integration and Productivity

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Microsoft Edge now supports App Actions for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Windows, enabling seamless integration with user workflows. Developers can publish PWAs to the Microsoft Store and allow users to invoke app features directly, enhancing productivity and engagement. Bullet points:

Bring PWAs Closer to Users with App Actions on Windows

Microsoft just rolled out an exciting update for Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Windows. Starting with Edge version 137, developers can now publish PWAs to the Microsoft Store and enable App Actions. This new feature aims to make PWAs more integrated and accessible, reducing friction in everyday workflows.

What’s New with App Actions?

App Actions let users invoke key features of your PWA directly from their current context, without switching apps. For example, Goodnotes, a popular note-taking PWA, allows users to select text in an article and send it straight to the app as a quick note. This seamless interaction boosts productivity and keeps users engaged.

“App Actions help users get more done—while driving engagement and discovery for your app.”

By enabling App Actions, your PWA becomes a natural part of users’ multitasking routines. This reduces the overhead of switching between apps, which often disrupts focus and slows down workflows.

Major Updates for Developers

Getting started with App Actions is straightforward. Here’s a quick rundown:

  • Define an Action manifest in JSON to describe each action your app supports.
  • Set up a custom protocol handler so the App Actions runtime can launch your PWA via URI.
  • Configure your app as a share target to receive input data from other apps.
  • Package your app using PWABuilder for Microsoft Store submission.

Additionally, you can define a PWA launch handler to control how your app opens when triggered by App Actions. Microsoft also provides an App Actions Testing Playground to test and refine your integrations.

Why This Matters

App Actions represent a big step in making PWAs feel more like native apps on Windows. They enhance discoverability and user engagement by embedding your app’s features directly into everyday tasks.

“We can’t wait to see the creative ways you’ll use App Actions to delight your users!”

For developers eager to boost their PWA’s presence on Windows, this update offers a powerful new tool. To dive deeper, check out the official App Actions documentation and start experimenting today.

  • App Actions reduce app-switching friction by letting users trigger key features within their current context.
  • Goodnotes PWA demonstrates App Actions by allowing quick note-taking from selected text without switching apps.
  • To enable App Actions, developers must define an Action manifest, set up a custom protocol handler, and configure their app as a share target.
  • Packaging the PWA with PWABuilder simplifies publishing to the Microsoft Store with App Actions enabled.
  • Developers can test and customize launch behavior using the App Actions Testing Playground for optimal user experience.
  • From the Windows Blog



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