Photo v2 windows install folder?

[Steve Beck]

What is the default install path for windows?

 

Thank you

 

[Dan C]

Hi @Steve Beck,

Welcome to the Affinity Forums

If you are installing using the .MSIX file, the apps will be installed within the C:/Program Files/WindowsApps/ folder, which by default is a protected folder that Windows does not allow you to open.

May I ask for the reason you are wanting the install location? As you might need to install the .EXE version of the app if you want to link this as an external editor, etc.

[Steve Beck]

So I can make a shortcut on my desktop. Plus I can’t seem to find where it installs at period. Would like to know also for system maintenance and knowledge. 

[Dan C]

Thanks for confirming that for me!

Please see the following FAQ for how to create a desktop shortcut for the V2 apps -

As mentioned, this is a protected folder which is locked by Windows and does not allow users to directly view/edit the files. This is due to how Windows handles .MSIX installations within a 'Sandboxed' environment.

Although it veers towards an in-depth, developer style explanation, the following Windows article covers this further - 

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/msix/desktop/desktop-to-uwp-behind-the-scenes

I hope this clears things up

[AOI Admin]

I have a program that I manage my images with. It has the ability for me to say:   Open With: >    and it will open it with what program I set up as the alternative. With Affinity Photo v1 I could add Affinity Photo as an alternative.  Since you changed how it is installed (which aggravates me greatly) I can't point to it.  To add it to the list of what I want to open the image with it brings up Windows Explorer to go find the .EXE file .... and it cannot be found.

PLEASE go back to the regular install method or come up with some tool that tells us EXACTLY what the location of the EXE is to we can manage accessing the WONDERFUL program other than using START.  It truly is nuts that you wiped out our ability to create Desktop shortcuts without playing huge confusing games.

[walt.farrell]

32 minutes ago, AOI Admin said:

PLEASE go back to the regular install method

You have a choice of which installer you download and use. But you should uninstall the one you're using now before installing the alternate one.

 

[KAE]

Hello,

 I'm new to the forum and believe I'm having the same issue as AOI Admin above.  With Affinity V1 Photo I could link my raw image viewer (NX Studio) to Affinity to continue (or start) to make edits to my photos.  I have had trouble doing the same with V2 and believe it has to do with the .MSIX file design from Microsoft.  I see there is an EXE file to download but am wondering if there are significant downsides to functionality or features over the .MSIX file format?  (I understand I will have to uninstall the .MSIX file first before I go ahead with the EXE if I decide to go that route).  Thanks in advance for clarification and for your time!

[walt.farrell]

There are, potentially, security advantages to using the sandboxed (MSIX) applications. And updating to new releases is much easier with them.

There are also disadvantages, such as you are experiencing. 

The choice is yours.

Serif made an official statement about why they recommend MSIX: 

https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?/topic/171826-why-are-we-using-msix-for-windows-installers/

[KAE]

Thank you Walt, for your reply - much appreciated!

[walt.farrell]

You're welcome.