Develop for Windows 11

Update your existing apps or create brand new experiences with the Windows App SDK.

  • Windows Dev Kit 2023

    An Arm-powered device with everything you need to develop Windows apps for Arm, on Arm, including a powerful Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI computing.

    Learn more>
  • App development options

    All the information you need to get started building apps for the Windows desktop environment or updating existing apps to take advantage of the latest Windows operating system experiences.

    Get started >
  • Best practices

    Advice to help you build great Windows apps that look great, run smoothly and meet accessibility and security guidelines.

  • Developer FAQ

    Answers to all those tricky questions about Windows app development, distribution models, cross-platform design and more.

  • Windows glossary

    Terms and definitions, to promote a common vocabulary among Windows developers.

Code Samples

The WinUI Gallery sample apps provide interactive demos and code examples for most WinUI 3 and WinUI 2 controls, features, and functionality.

Screenshot of winui sample gallery
Creative with Microsoft 365.

Microsoft Store

Distribute your work to an audience of millions! Redesigned for developers to have new channels for discovery, including integration with your website and open support for more kinds of apps to run on Windows.

  • Open for all!

    Distribute your desktop app via the Store, no matter what app framework or packaging tool you use: Win32, .NET, Java, Electron, or MSIX.

    Learn more >
  • PWA

    Build Progressive Web Apps with PWABuilder 3, debug with PWA support in the Microsoft Edge dev tools, and publish your PWA in the Store, including access to new commerce tools and capabilities!

    Learn more >
  • New Microsoft Store API

    Use the Microsoft Store submission API for MSI or EXE apps to programmatically create and update store submissions for your app.

    Learn more >

Build games for Windows

Get the world-class tools and services used by PC game developers at the Game Dev website. The Game Development Kit (GDK) includes the SDK, libraries, and documentation you’ll need to build amazing games for Windows.

Gamestack
  • The best tools for developers are on Windows

    See why Windows 11 offers the best tools for developers that empower you to code with whatever language, framework, or environment you prefer.

    Start coding >
  • Become a Windows Insider!

    Start running Insider Preview builds of Windows 11 on your devices and see what's next for Windows.

    Join now >

Latest news

Microsoft Store App Awards 2023 nominations are now open!

Microsoft Store App Awards is back this year! Nominations are now open through March 29, 2023, and t...

March 15, 2023

WindowsLogo

Developers, meet Microsoft Store Ads

Reach the right customers at the right time with your games and appsContent is at the heart of the W...

February 02, 2023

WindowsLogo

Visual Studio Toolbox: Integrated C++ Game Development

The Visual Studio Toolbox show helps you become a more productive developer by focusing on tooling b...

March 23, 2023

VisualStudioLogo

GitHub Copilot chat for Visual Studio 2022

GitHub Copilot has become a trusted AI-assisted pair programmer helping to auto-complete comments an...

March 22, 2023

VisualStudioLogo