How to track WinRT applications (in Win32 it was easy)?

Question

In the "old" times, I created a simple tool for Windows users that tracks what they were doing in front of the computer (where there is a simple activity monitor). I used Win32 api and functions like GetForegroundWindow, GetWindowThreadProcessId etc.

Yesterday I installed the new Windows 8 and am tired of starting my program. I have 50 percent success: for the "classic" desktop, it works, as always :). For Metro UI, I received only one application: WWAHost :( without any details.

So my question is: is there a way to track the active application in Metro UI? thanks for the help

UPDATE: I am trying to access the Metro UI application from Win32, I know that it is not possible to access the Metro application from another Metro application

Answer 1

You see that in WinRT, your application is the largest application. And when your application is not the largest application, your threads will pause and the kernel will not schedule more operations for your application. The end of the story.

This means that what you want to accomplish cannot be accomplished in WinRT. You think more about a resident application or service that has access to the desktop. These applications have two advantages. 1) they always work. And, 2) they have an API to do what you want.

WinRT deliberately puts applications in the sandbox to ensure user safety, performance, and battery life. Your scenario and grades, like yours, underscore the ongoing need for desktop applications. (as long as there is a need for these types of applications;)).

Sorry if this is bad news.

Regarding the listing of other applications. It is also impossible. You cannot find out if another application is installed or if it is running. You can apply to another application through protocol activation or file activation or (in a certain sense) through a stock contract. But you do not know if they receive the message, and if the user installed it in the first place. And it is by design.

It should be mentioned that you can connect to the Win32 API in your WinRT application. This causes a lot of problems and can cause a headache in order to get certification in the store. But even then, not all APIs are open to you. And you will find that this particular use case is not a starter.

Answer 2

I am sure it will be impossible. In Windows 8 Metro, only one application is active. All other applications will be idle while the topmost application is running. This makes it impossible to record an application that controls other applications that are currently running.

See numerous Windows 8 application lifecycle articles .