.NET MAUI Documentation

Developing for the Windows Platform

Targeting the Windows Platform with .NET MAUI

This tutorial guides you through the process of developing and deploying cross-platform applications using .NET Multi-platform App UI (.NET MAUI) specifically for the Windows operating system.

Introduction to .NET MAUI on Windows

.NET MAUI is a framework that enables you to build native applications for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows from a single, shared codebase. Windows provides a robust platform for .NET MAUI applications, leveraging the power of WinUI 3 for native UI rendering and access to the full Windows API.

Setting Up Your Development Environment

To develop .NET MAUI applications for Windows, you'll need:

  • Visual Studio 2022 (version 17.3 or later) with the ".NET Multi-platform App UI development" workload installed.
  • The Windows 10 SDK (10.0.19041.0 or later).
  • The .NET MAUI workload.

Ensure your Visual Studio installation is up-to-date. You can verify your installation by going to Help > About Microsoft Visual Studio and checking the installed workloads.

Creating Your First Windows MAUI App

1. Open Visual Studio.

2. Select "Create a new project".

3. Search for ".NET MAUI" and select the ".NET MAUI App" template.

4. Click "Next", provide a project name (e.g., "MyMauiWindowsApp"), and choose a location.

5. Click "Create".

6. In the Visual Studio toolbar, select "Windows Machine" as the deployment target.

7. Click the "Start debugging" button (or press F5).

Your application will be built and launched on your Windows machine, showcasing the default MAUI template.

Understanding Windows-Specific Features

.NET MAUI abstracts platform-specific differences, but you can still access native Windows features:

  • WinUI 3 Integration: .NET MAUI on Windows uses WinUI 3 controls and APIs, providing a modern and performant user experience.
  • Platform-Specific APIs: Use conditional compilation or the DeviceInfo API to access Windows-specific functionalities like file system access, registry, or specific hardware features.
  • Package Management: .NET MAUI apps on Windows are typically packaged as MSIX packages for easy deployment via the Microsoft Store or sideloading.

Best Practices for Windows Development

  • Responsive Design: Design your UI to adapt to various screen sizes and resolutions common on Windows devices.
  • Performance Optimization: Profile your application to identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, especially when dealing with complex UIs or heavy computations.
  • Accessibility: Ensure your application adheres to Windows accessibility guidelines for a broader user reach.
  • Error Handling: Implement robust error handling and logging mechanisms for Windows applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you encounter issues:

  • Check Visual Studio and SDK versions.
  • Verify that the .NET MAUI workload is correctly installed.
  • Look for specific error messages in the Output window in Visual Studio.
  • Consult the official .NET MAUI GitHub repository for known issues and community support.