Tools for Windows app development

Choose an editor, command-line workflow, AI-assisted tool, or testing approach for building and maintaining Windows apps.

Choose your development environment

Start with the tool that matches how you prefer to create and manage Windows app projects.

Develop with Visual Studio
Create, edit, build, debug, package, and publish Windows apps in an integrated development environment.
Use the WinApp extension for Visual Studio Code
Run Windows App Development CLI commands from the Visual Studio Code Command Palette.
Work from the command line
Configure projects, package apps, manage identity and certificates, and automate workflows with the winapp CLI.

Combine tools for project creation, packaging, AI-assisted development, UI automation, and sample exploration.

Create and debug apps

Use a full IDE or a lightweight editor with Windows-specific commands and project support.
Automate with the winapp CLI

Use commands for project configuration, package identity, certificates, packaging, publishing, and execution.
Add AI-assisted workflows

Give supported coding assistants Windows development guidance and use AI to help inspect and test your app.
Test and inspect your app

Automate interactions with a running app and choose testing approaches for behavior, accessibility, and compatibility.
Explore samples and controls

Adapt focused code samples, inspect WinUI controls, and explore Windows App SDK scenarios.

Move from tool selection to guided learning, platform features, API reference, packaging, and deployment.