Windows API Reference

Welcome to the Windows API Reference

This section provides detailed technical documentation for the various APIs available for developing applications on the Windows platform. Explore the vast set of functions, structures, interfaces, and concepts that empower you to build robust, high-performance, and feature-rich applications.

You can navigate through different API categories using the sidebar or use the search functionality to find specific documentation.

Search the API Reference

Use the powerful search bar below to quickly find the API elements you are looking for. You can search by function name, structure name, header file, or even keywords related to functionality.

Win32 API

The Win32 API is the fundamental set of application programming interfaces for the Microsoft Windows operating system. It provides access to the core functionalities of Windows, including window management, graphics, file I/O, networking, and more.

Key Components:

• Kernel Functions
• User Interface Functions
• Graphics Device Interface (GDI)
• Advanced API Functions
• Component Object Model (COM)

Example: GetSystemInfo

Retrieves information about the current system.

lpSystemInfo

A pointer to a SYSTEM_INFO structure that receives information about the specified system.

For more details, see the Kernel Functions section.

Universal Windows Platform (UWP) APIs

UWP provides a modern, consistent, and secure platform for building apps that can run across all Windows devices, from small IoT devices to the Xbox and PCs.

Key Features:

• Access to device hardware and sensors.
• Modern UI/UX patterns.
• Sandboxed environment for security.
• Integration with Windows Store.

Explore the WinRT APIs for UWP development.

.NET APIs

The .NET Framework and .NET Core provide a comprehensive set of class libraries for building a wide range of applications, from web services to desktop applications and mobile apps.

Core Libraries:

• System.Collections
• System.IO
• System.Net
• System.Windows.Forms
• System.Xaml

You can find detailed documentation on the MSDN .NET Section.

COM Components

The Component Object Model (COM) is a binary-standard for creating software components that can be used within a running process, independent of the language used to create them.

Key interfaces include:

• IUnknown
• IDispatch
• IClassFactory

Learn more about COM in the Win32 API section.

DirectX APIs

DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces (APIs) for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms.

Key APIs:

• Direct3D (for 2D and 3D graphics rendering)
• Direct2D (for 2D graphics rendering)
• DirectInput (for input devices)
• DirectSound (for audio)

Detailed documentation can be found in the DirectX Developer Center.

Windows Runtime (WinRT) APIs

WinRT is a modern API layer built on top of COM, designed for UWP and Windows Store apps. It offers features like language projection and asynchronous operations.

Discover WinRT APIs for Universal Windows Platform development.

Latest API Updates

Stay informed about the latest additions and changes to Windows APIs.

• Windows 11, Version 23H2: New APIs for AI integration and enhanced device capabilities.
• .NET 8: Performance improvements and new libraries for cloud-native development.
• DirectX 12 Ultimate: Enhancements for ray tracing and mesh shading.

Visit the What's New section for comprehensive details.