Overview of Windows Universal Windows Platform (UWP) Development

By Microsoft Developer Docs | Published: October 26, 2023

The Universal Windows Platform (UWP) is a powerful and flexible API that enables developers to build applications that run across the entire spectrum of Windows devices, from the smallest IoT devices to the largest interactive whiteboards. UWP provides a unified development experience, allowing you to write your code once and deploy it everywhere Windows runs.

This article serves as an introductory guide to UWP development, covering its core concepts, benefits, and the tools you'll need to get started.

What is UWP?

UWP is more than just a framework; it's a platform that offers:

  • Device Reach: Target desktops, laptops, tablets, Xbox, HoloLens, and more with a single codebase.
  • Modern UI: Leverage XAML and C#, C++, or JavaScript to create visually stunning and responsive user interfaces.
  • App Packaging: Distribute your applications through the Microsoft Store, providing a secure and reliable way for users to discover and install your software.
  • Robust APIs: Access a rich set of APIs for hardware integration, graphics, networking, and more.
  • Security: Applications run in an isolated sandbox, enhancing security and stability.

Key Benefits of UWP

Choosing UWP for your next project offers several compelling advantages:

1. Write Once, Run Everywhere

The primary advantage of UWP is its broad reach. Your application can adapt to different screen sizes and input methods automatically, providing a consistent experience whether it's running on a desktop with a keyboard and mouse or a tablet with touch input.

2. Modern Development Experience

UWP embraces modern development practices. You can use:

  • XAML: A declarative markup language for designing user interfaces.
  • C#/.NET: For robust application logic and integration with the .NET ecosystem.
  • C++: For performance-critical applications and direct access to system resources.
  • JavaScript/HTML: For web developers looking to extend their skills to native Windows applications.

3. Rich Feature Set

UWP provides access to a comprehensive set of APIs:

For example, to get basic device information, you might use code similar to this:

using Windows.System.Profile;

var osVersion = AnalyticsInfo.VersionInfo.DeviceFamily;
System.Diagnostics.Debug.WriteLine($"Device Family: {osVersion}");

4. Microsoft Store Integration

The Microsoft Store offers a streamlined distribution channel. You can manage updates, track downloads, and engage with your users directly through the store.

Getting Started with UWP Development

To begin your UWP journey, you'll need:

  1. Visual Studio: Install the latest version of Visual Studio with the "Universal Windows Platform development" workload.
  2. Windows SDK: This is typically installed as part of the Visual Studio workload.

Once set up, you can create a new UWP project in Visual Studio and start building your application.

Dive deeper into specific topics like UWP Design, UWP Development Fundamentals, and Publishing UWP Apps to further enhance your skills.

UWP Windows Development Microsoft Store XAML C#