Development environment on Windows

Windows invites you to code as you are. Use whatever coding language or framework you prefer - whether developing with tools on Windows or with Linux tools on the Windows Subsystem for Linux, this guide will help you get set up and install what you need to start coding, debugging, and accessing services to put your work into production.

Tools to get you started

Windows Terminal
Customize your terminal environment to work with multiple command line shells.

WinGet
Install and configure packages through command-line or declarative manifests.

Windows Subsystem for Linux
Run your favorite Linux distribution fully integrated with Windows.

Microsoft PowerToys
A set of power user utilities to tune and streamline your Windows experience.

Dev Drive
A storage volume optimized for performance in developer scenarios.

Sudo for Windows
Run elevated commands directly from an unelevated console session.

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Watch the Windows developer tools overview from Microsoft Ignite to see these tools in action.

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Development paths

Follow these guides to set up your Windows development environment for your preferred language or framework.

Get started with JavaScript
Set up your JavaScript development environment with Node.js, React, Vue, and more.

Get started with Python
Install Python and set up your development environment on Windows.

Get started with C++ and C
Develop apps, services, and tools with C++, C, and assembly.

Get started with C#
Build apps using C# and .NET.

Get started with Rust
Get started programming with Rust, including how to set up Rust for Windows.

Get started with PowerShell
Cross-platform task automation and configuration management using PowerShell.

Get started with Docker
Create remote development containers with support from VS, VS Code, .NET, and WSL.

Get started building Windows apps
Build desktop apps with WinUI and the Windows App SDK.

Get started with Game Development
Build games for Windows using Microsoft's game development tools and services.

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Transitioning between Mac and Windows

Check out our guide to transitioning between a Mac and Windows (or Windows Subsystem for Linux) development environment.