roapi | Create full-fledged APIs | SQL Database library

I figured it out, eventually. The issue is, you have to wait a bit before terminating the process so that the COM threads have a chance to actually do the work and deliver the notification. The code posted above fully works, I will later post a revised version with only the absolutely necessary stuff. The way I solved it was by stripping out everything until the example app (https://github.com/microsoft/Windows-classic-samples/blob/master/Samples/DesktopToasts/CPP/DesktopToastsSample.cpp) had the same code as mine, and the only difference being the message queue which kept the example app alive after "sending" the request for the toast.

Also, if you are fine with the notification being able to only trigger a protocol, and for it not to contain any buttons, you can skip creating a shortcut in Start and just use the appid of another app. If you supply an appid that does not belong to any installed application, the toast won't have an icon, by the app name will be whatever you supplied. This is great for people developing extensions/add-ons to current applications who do not really need to clutter the Start menu with unnecessary shortcuts. Buttons require COM activation because unfortunately, but at least we have this.

And yes, you do not need an app manifest either. Now the question is what is the correct way to wait before terminating? I mean, of course Sleep(200); is fine, but I am curious about the correct solution.

To get the app IDs for installed apps, type Get-StartApps in PowerShell.

Edit: Here is working code which hopefully frees memory etc.

you got REGDB_E_CLASSNOTREG Class not registered because "Windows.ApplicationModel.Email" really not registered. ( look under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsRuntime\ActivatableClassId key - no Windows.ApplicationModel.Email subkey here )

you have 2 errors in code, instead self string "Windows.ApplicationModel.Email" - you need use RuntimeClass_* strings defined in some winrt header file. you need use

RuntimeClass_Windows_ApplicationModel_Email_EmailMessage

which is declared in Windows.ApplicationModel.email.h

then RoGetActivationFactory can not return IEmailMessage direct. it can return IActivationFactory interface (You can get an IActivationFactory pointer by calling the RoGetActivationFactory function. ) and then you need call IActivationFactory::ActivateInstance for get pointer to IInspectable and finally QueryInterface on it for get IEmailMessage

so better (if you need single instance of IEmailMessage) use RoActivateInstance here. code can be next