Migrate and modernize Windows apps

Keep your current desktop app model and add modern Windows capabilities, or move to a different app model or UI framework.

Choose your path

Start with the goal that matches how much of your existing app you want to change.

Modernize an existing desktop app
Keep WPF, Windows Forms, or Win32 and add Windows App SDK, Windows Runtime, or packaging features incrementally.
Choose a migration path
Compare upgrading in place, modernizing in place, and moving your UI to WinUI 3.
Migrate from UWP
Plan a move from UWP to the Windows App SDK and WinUI 3, including app-model and API changes.
Migrate from another framework
Explore paths from WPF, iOS, or a cross-platform framework to WinUI 3.

Follow the workflow that matches your current app model and intended destination.

Add the Windows App SDK to an existing project

Install and initialize the Windows App SDK in an existing WPF, Windows Forms, or Win32 project without changing its UI framework.
Modernize desktop UI and platform features

Add Windows APIs, WinUI controls, or package identity while keeping the app's existing desktop framework.
Migrate a UWP app

Assess support, map UWP features and APIs, and work through detailed guidance for moving to the Windows App SDK and WinUI 3.
Migrate WPF or Windows Forms patterns

Translate desktop UI, binding, lifecycle, and control patterns when moving an app's UI to WinUI 3.
Plan a cross-platform migration

Decide which business logic and services can remain shared and which Windows UI should be rebuilt with WinUI 3.
Plan and accelerate with AI

Use an AI coding assistant to investigate your app and draft or implement a migration plan that you review and validate.
- Plan your modernization with an AI assistant
- Modernize or port with GitHub Copilot

Review the destination frameworks, packaging and deployment choices, and API reference for your selected path.