What is a .APPXSYM file?
The .APPXSYM file extension refers to a Windows 8 App Package Symbols File. This type of file was introduced with the Windows 8 operating system as part of its app packaging system specifically designed for apps distributed through the Windows Store. The primary purpose of an .APPXSYM file is to store public symbol information related to a Windows app. This information is crucial because it helps in generating detailed crash reports. When an app that includes an .APPXSYM file crashes on a user's computer, the file allows the Windows Store's developer dashboard to collect and send crash reporting details back to the app's developer. This helps developers understand what went wrong and improve the app.
To open an .APPXSYM file, you can use Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 or later versions. This software provides the necessary tools to access and analyze the contents of .APPXSYM files.
More details about .APPXSYM files include their relationship with .APPXUPLOAD files. When developers are ready to submit their app to the Windows Store, they package it into an .APPXUPLOAD file, which includes the .APPXSYM file. This packaging is typically done using the Create App Packages wizard found in Microsoft Visual Studio. However, if a developer decides not to include symbol information for crash reporting, they might choose to submit just an .APPX file instead. In this case, an .APPXSYM file is not created or used.
In summary, .APPXSYM files are essential for developers who need to track and fix crashes in their Windows Store apps, and they can be managed and viewed using Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 or newer.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .APPXSYM file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.