Skip to main content

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

Download Microsoft Edge More info about Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge
Read in English
Read in English Edit

Share via

Facebook x.com LinkedIn Email

Build desktop apps for Windows

This documentation provides the latest guidance about building desktop apps for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Get ready for development

Get started

  • Start here!
  • An overview of Windows development options
  • Learning paths and modules
  • Code samples

Design and UI

Overview

  • Design and code your app UI
  • Windows 11 design principles
  • Make your apps great on Windows 11
  • Windows developer FAQ

Deploy and publish

Overview

  • Deployment overview
  • Deploy apps
  • The MSIX app package format
  • Publish Windows apps and games

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Concept

  • Windows AI
  • GitHub Copilot extension for Visual Studio
  • Windows Machine Learning
  • Windows Machine Learning samples

Community and support

Overview

  • Microsoft Q&A Forum
  • @WindowsDocs
  • OneDevMinute on YouTube
  • Windows developer support

Platforms

Architecture

  • Windows App SDK
  • .NET MAUI
  • Universal Windows Platform (UWP)
  • Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF)
  • Windows Forms
  • Other development technologies

API Reference

Reference

  • WinRT API for the Windows SDK
  • Win32 API for the Windows SDK
  • WinRT API for the Windows App SDK
  • Win32 API for the Windows App SDK
  • WinUI 3 API reference
Your Privacy Choices
  • Previous Versions
  • Blog
  • Contribute
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Trademarks
  • © Microsoft 2025
Your Privacy Choices
  • Previous Versions
  • Blog
  • Contribute
  • Privacy
  • Terms of Use
  • Trademarks
  • © Microsoft 2025