What's new
What's new for Windows developersWindows app development documentation
Build native Windows desktop apps with the Windows App SDK and WinUI 3, the recommended UI framework for new Windows apps.
Your path to building Windows apps
Start with the fundamentals, design great experiences, build your app, and prepare it for distribution.
Add AI to your Windows app
SDK reference and downloads
Jump directly to the SDK landing pages for reference docs, release notes, and downloads.
Get started requirements
What you need to start building with the Windows App SDK. Targets Windows 10 version 1809 (build 17763) or later.
Windows App SDK (latest stable)
Download the current stable release. Includes WinUI 3, app lifecycle APIs, windowing, and deployment tools. Check the downloads page for the latest version number.
WinUI 3 (included in Windows App SDK)
The native UI framework for Windows desktop apps. Ships as part of the Windows App SDK — no separate install needed.
Visual Studio 2026 with Windows App SDK workload
Install Visual Studio 2026 with the '.NET desktop development' workload and Windows App SDK extension. Alternatively, use VS Code with C# Dev Kit.
Supported languages and runtimes
C# with .NET 8 or later, C++ (Win32 and C++/WinRT), Rust (via windows-rs crate). XAML is used for UI markup in WinUI 3 and WPF.
Tools and resources
Windows app code samples on GitHub
Explore sample apps and code snippets that demonstrate Windows App SDK features, WinUI 3 controls, and platform APIs.
Windows developer environment setup
Set up your development environment with Visual Studio, Windows App SDK, Dev Home, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
Windows developer blog
Read announcements, release updates, and deep dives from the Windows developer team.
Migrate from UWP to Windows App SDK
UWP is in maintenance mode. Migrate existing UWP apps to the Windows App SDK to access current APIs and ongoing platform investment.