Build desktop apps for Windows

This documentation provides the latest guidance about building desktop apps for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

Get ready for development

Get Started

• Install tools for the Windows App SDK
• Enable your device for development
• Developer Mode features and debugging
• Create a developer account

Start building apps

Overview

• Get started with desktop apps
• Build apps with the Windows App SDK
• Create your first WinUI 3 project
• Make your apps great on Windows 11

Reference

• Visual Studio templates for Windows apps

Design and UI

Overview

• Design and code your app UI
• Windows UI Library (WinUI)
• Windows 11 design principles

Reference

• WinUI API reference

Develop

Overview

• Features and technologies for Windows apps
• Windows App SDK
• Modernize your desktop apps

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

Deploy

Overview

• Deployment overview
• Deploy apps that use the Windows App SDK
• MSIX documentation

Community and support

Overview

• Windows App SDK on GitHub
• Windows UI Library (WinUI) on GitHub
• @WindowsDocs on Twitter
• OneDevMinute on YouTube
• Windows developer support