ClickOnce has prerequisite for

  • “Sql server 2012 Express localDb”
  • “Sql server 2016 Express localDb”
  • “Sql server 2017 Express localDb”
  • “Sql server 2012 Express localDb”

but not for

  • “Sql server 2022 Express localDb”.

See, https://developercommunity.visualstudio.com/t/ClickOnce-Sql-server-2022-Express-local/10614924

Add the custom dependency:

  • copy the files into c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\ClickOnce Bootstrapper\Packages
    • you need admin rights
  • now the new dependency should appear in VS
    • you do not have to restart VS, just press in "project / publish" and the "more actions / edit"
  • creating from scratch
    • start from "c:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft SDKs\ClickOnce Bootstrapper\Packages\SqlLocalDB2019"
    • modify product.xml: ProductCode, SearchPath
      • <BypassIf Property="sqllocaldbVersion" Compare="VersionGreaterThanOrEqualTo" Value="2022.1.1.1"/>
      • I did not change: vc_redist.x64.exe
    • modify en / eula.rtf, 2019 -> 2022
    • modify en / package.xml, 2019 -> 2022