Note
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try signing in or changing directories.
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
Windows supports desktop apps, web experiences, games, cross-platform solutions, and other development workflows. Use the developer profiles and application types on this page to identify technologies that fit your goals.
Explore developer profiles
These profiles represent common Windows development scenarios. Your project might combine technologies and tools from more than one profile.
Emily: Desktop app developer
Emily builds responsive Windows desktop apps that use native platform capabilities.
Builds: Productivity tools, creative design apps, and utilities
Technologies: WinUI 3, WPF, Windows App SDK, .NET MAUI, .NET, Windows AI APIs, Foundry Local, and Windows ML
Tools: Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code
Tip
Support high DPI and accessibility, follow Fluent Design guidance, and choose a packaging option that fits your deployment requirements.
Carlos: Web app developer
Carlos builds responsive web applications that integrate with Windows services or run in hybrid environments.
Builds: Progressive Web Apps (PWAs), internal dashboards, and consumer web apps
Technologies: WebView2, React, Angular, Blazor, ASP.NET Core, and TypeScript
Tools: Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL), Visual Studio Code, Node.js, GitHub, and GitHub Actions
Tip
Design for different screen sizes, test accessibility and performance, and protect web traffic and identities.
Aisha: Game developer
Aisha builds games and simulations for Windows, with an emphasis on performance and rendering quality.
Builds: AAA and independent games, simulations, virtual reality experiences, and educational apps
Technologies: DirectX 12, Unity, Unreal Engine, and Microsoft Game Development Kit (GDK)
Tools: C++, Visual Studio, Unity Editor, and PIX on Windows
Tip
Profile CPU and GPU performance, and add advanced graphics features only when your target hardware supports them.
David: Enterprise and line-of-business developer
David develops enterprise applications for internal business processes and workflows.
Builds: Line-of-business apps, internal tools, and data-driven dashboards
Technologies: .NET, Windows Forms, WPF, Entity Framework Core, and Blazor
Tools: Visual Studio, SQL Server Management Studio, and Azure DevOps
Focus: Adding Windows App SDK capabilities to existing WPF applications
Tip
Account for security, compliance, maintainability, deployment, and support requirements when you choose an architecture.
Pradeep: Cross-platform app developer
Pradeep creates applications that target Windows and other operating systems from a shared codebase.
Builds: Mobile productivity apps, cross-platform utilities, and consumer apps
Technologies: .NET MAUI, React Native for Windows, and Uno Platform
Tools: Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, and Azure App Service
Tip
Design for each platform's input methods and screen sizes, and test the app on every supported target.
Liam: Open-source and community developer
Liam contributes to open-source projects and builds tools for developer communities.
Builds: Developer tools, community libraries, and command-line utilities
Technologies: Visual Studio Code extensions, GitHub Actions, and Node.js
Tools: WSL, Windows Terminal, PowerShell, Visual Studio Code, GitHub, and Docker
Tip
Document contribution workflows, gather community feedback, and automate repeatable build and release tasks.
Choose technologies by application type
Different application types have different goals, architectures, and platform requirements. The following examples highlight typical Windows application scenarios and suggest appropriate technologies for each.
| Application type | Typical use | Technologies to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | Internal line-of-business systems, data-driven dashboards, and workflow tools | WPF, Windows Forms, or .NET MAUI for the UI; .NET and Entity Framework Core for application logic and data; MSIX for packaging; Azure DevOps for development workflows |
| Utility | Focused desktop tools that start quickly and follow current Windows design conventions | WinUI 3 or .NET MAUI for the UI; Windows App SDK for Windows capabilities; MSIX for packaging; Fluent Design for the user experience |
| AI-enabled | Apps that add text, image, speech, or language intelligence by using models on the device | Windows AI APIs for Windows-managed capabilities on supported devices; Foundry Local for supported open-source models; Windows ML for custom ONNX models across CPU, GPU, and NPU |
| Games and immersive experiences | Games, simulations, and extended-reality experiences that require advanced graphics | DirectX 12, Microsoft GDK, Unity, Unreal Engine, and Visual Studio |
| Headless or background | Services, agents, and command-line tools that run without a user interface | .NET or C++; Windows Services for long-running service processes; PowerShell and Task Scheduler for automation |
| Web or hybrid | Cross-platform web applications that integrate with Windows features | React or Blazor for the front end; ASP.NET Core or Azure App Service for hosting; WebView2 for hybrid Windows apps |
Collaborate with us on GitHub
The source for this content can be found on GitHub, where you can also create and review issues and pull requests. For more information, see our contributor guide.
Windows developer