Embodiments are directed to rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand file staging, rapidly launching a virtual software application using on-demand registry staging and to rapidly publishing a virtual software application using on-demand staging. In one scenario, a computer system creates a high-level file listing that includes a list of specified high-level data files and directories that are part of a virtual application package. The computer system receives an indication from an application user that the virtual application is to be accessed and dynamically creates sparse data files for those data files that are to be accessed based on the received indication. Then, upon determining that the virtual application is attempting to access the sparse data files, the computer system dynamically streams the data corresponding to the sparse data files on demand from the remote data store.

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