Build desktop apps for Windows

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

Get ready for development

Get started

• What's new in Windows development
• Setup and tools
• An overview of UI frameworks
• Windows App SDK

Design and UI

Overview

• Design your app
• Design resources and tools
• Design for accessibility
• Design basics

Develop

How-To Guide

• Develop apps
• Best practices for Windows apps
• Windows developer FAQ
• Other development tools

Deploy

Overview

• Packaging and deployment overview
• Learn about packaged and unpackaged apps
• Windows App SDK deployment guide
• The MSIX app package format

Distribute

Overview

• Microsoft Store overview
• Open a developer account
• Microsoft Store FAQ
• Microsoft Store Policies

Artificial intelligence and machine learning

Concept

• Windows AI
• GitHub Copilot extension for Visual Studio
• App Actions on Windows
• Windows ML

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 for UWP API reference

Community and support

Overview

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