Microsoft Adds App Actions to PWAs on Windows, Giving Them a Native Feel

Microsoft just gave Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Windows a serious boost. Starting this week, developers can add “App Actions” to their PWAs, giving Windows users faster access to key features directly from the Start menu and taskbar jump lists.

App Actions let developers define shortcuts tied to frequent tasks—like creating a new message, opening a calendar view, or jumping straight to a playlist. These shortcuts show up when users right-click the app icon or search for it in Start, bringing PWAs closer to the behavior of fully native Windows apps.

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Microsoft introduced this upgrade through Edge and the Windows Web App platform. The company says developers can add these actions through a new manifest update, which includes “shortcuts” and “launch_handler” entries. These updates tie specific links inside the app to user-triggered actions, making interaction faster and more direct.

App Actions works in Windows 11 and preview builds of Windows 10. Developers can test the new feature now using Edge 125 and Windows Insider builds.

This move signals Microsoft’s continued push to close the gap between web and desktop software, making PWAs more practical for everyday use.