Windows 10 SDK preview build 17704 now available for developers

Another Windows 10 SDK preview build is now available for developers to pick up. This release moves the build up to 17704 and matches the latest build available for Fast ring Insiders.

Like other recent SDK preview releases, there's not much new to see here. Microsoft says 17704 includes bug fixes and other changes to the API surface area. But the release notes cover things like MSIX support, which was included in prior builds. Here's a recap:

MSIX Support

It's finally here! You can now package your applications as MSIX! These applications can be installed and run on any device with 17682 build or later.To package your application with MSIX, use the MakeAppx tool.aspx){.nofollow}. To install the application – just click on the MSIX file.

MC.EXE

  • We've made some important changes to the C/C++ ETW code generation of mc.exe (Message Compiler):
  • The "-mof" parameter is deprecated. This parameter instructs MC.exe to generate ETW code that is compatible with Windows XP and earlier. Support for the "-mof" parameter will be removed in a future version of mc.exe.
  • As long as the "-mof" parameter is not used, the generated C/C++ header is now compatible with both kernel-mode and user-mode, regardless of whether "-km" or "-um" was specified on the command line. The header will use the ETW_KM macro to automatically determine whether it is being compiled for kernel-mode or user-mode and will call the appropriate ETW APIs for each mode.

Keep in mind that MSIX isn't yet supported by the App Certification Kit or the Microsoft Store right now.

Developers can go ahead and give Windows 10 preview SDK build 17704 a download from Microsoft now. And for more, check out Microsoft's full release notes.

Dan Thorp-Lancaster

Dan Thorp-Lancaster is the former Editor-in-Chief of Windows Central. He began working with Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore as a news writer in 2014 and is obsessed with tech of all sorts. You can follow Dan on Twitter @DthorpL and Instagram @heyitsdtl