How to find desktop application ID?

To find a desktop application's ID, particularly its AppUserModelId, you can use a built-in Windows feature accessible via the Appsfolder. This unique identifier is essential for various system functionalities, including taskbar pinning, Jump Lists, and notifications.

Understanding Desktop Application IDs

A "desktop application ID" typically refers to the AppUserModelId (Application User Model ID), a unique string that Windows assigns to applications to identify them to the shell. This ID helps Windows properly group windows on the taskbar, manage Jump Lists, and deliver notifications. While other identifiers like Process ID (PID) or executable paths exist, the AppUserModelId is the most common "application ID" for shell integration.

Method 1: Locating the AppUserModelId via Appsfolder

The most direct way to find the AppUserModelId for installed desktop applications is through the special Appsfolder in Windows File Explorer.

Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to reveal the AppUserModelId for your applications:

Open the Run Dialog: Press the Win + R keys simultaneously on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
Navigate to the Apps Folder: In the Run dialog, type shell:Appsfolder and then click OK or press Enter. This will open a special File Explorer window displaying all installed applications.
Adjust View Settings: In the File Explorer window, click on the View tab in the ribbon. Ensure that the view is set to Details. If it's not, select Details from the Layout options.
Add the AppUserModelId Column: While in the View tab, click Add Columns (or right-click on any existing column header like "Name" or "Date Modified"). From the dropdown menu, select Choose columns....
Select AppUserModelId: In the "Choose Details" window that appears, scroll down the list of available properties. Check the box next to AppUserModelId. Then, click OK.
Identify the ID: A new column labeled "AppUserModelId" will now appear in your File Explorer window. This column displays the unique AppUserModelId for each application listed, allowing you to easily find the ID for the application you need.

What is AppUserModelId?

The AppUserModelId (Application User Model ID) is a string identifier used by Windows for crucial shell features. It allows the operating system to differentiate between applications that might otherwise appear similar or share the same executable name, ensuring correct taskbar grouping, Jump List functionality, and notification routing. For more technical details, you can refer to Microsoft's official documentation on Application User Model IDs.

Other Relevant Application Identifiers

While AppUserModelId is key for shell integration, other types of identifiers serve different purposes for desktop applications:

Process ID (PID)

Description: A temporary, numerical identifier assigned by the operating system to a running instance of a program. Each time an application starts, it receives a new PID.
How to Find: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Details tab, and locate the "PID" column.
Primary Use Cases: Process management, monitoring, and debugging of active applications.

Executable Path and File Properties

Description: The full file system path to the application's executable file (e.g., C:\Program Files\App\App.exe).
How to Find:
- Right-click on an application's shortcut, then select Properties and look at the "Target" field.
- In Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click on a process, and select Open file location.
Primary Use Cases: Direct launching of applications, scripting, or examining installation locations.

Package Family Name (for UWP/Modern Apps)

Description: For Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications (often referred to as "Modern Apps" or "Store Apps"), the primary identifier is the Package Family Name or Package Full Name. These apps run within a sandbox environment.
How to Find: Open PowerShell and use commands like Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFamilyName.
Primary Use Cases: Managing and interacting with UWP applications, such as programmatic uninstallation or deployment.

Practical Applications of Desktop IDs

Knowing an application's ID is useful for several advanced scenarios:

Customizing Jump Lists: Developers and advanced users can leverage AppUserModelIds to programmatically add custom tasks or recent files to an application's Jump List on the taskbar.
Scripting and Automation: IDs can be used in PowerShell scripts or batch files to launch applications, manipulate their windows, or retrieve information about running instances.
Advanced Taskbar Control: Tools and scripts can use AppUserModelIds to pin or unpin applications from the Windows taskbar without manual intervention.
Notification Management: Targeting specific applications for sending toast notifications or configuring notification behavior often relies on their AppUserModelId.

ID Type	Description	How to Find	Primary Use Cases
AppUserModelId	Unique identifier for Windows Shell integration	`shell:Appsfolder` (Add column)	Taskbar grouping, Start Menu, Jump Lists, Notifications
Process ID (PID)	Temporary numerical ID for a running program instance	Task Manager (Details tab)	Process monitoring, termination, debugging
Executable Path	Full file system path to the application's `.exe`	Shortcut properties, Task Manager (Open file location)	Direct launch, scripting, installation verification
Package Family Name	Identifier for Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps	PowerShell (`Get-AppxPackage`)	UWP app management, deployment, and programmatic interaction