Windows Developer Reference Documentation

Welcome to the comprehensive reference documentation for Windows development. Explore APIs, SDKs, guides, and samples to build powerful and innovative applications for the Windows platform.

API Reference

Detailed documentation for Windows APIs, including Win32, UWP, .NET Framework, and Windows Runtime APIs. Find function signatures, parameter descriptions, return values, and code examples.

• Win32 API
• UWP API
• .NET Framework API
• Windows Runtime (WinRT) API

SDK Documentation

Information and guides related to the Windows Software Development Kits (SDKs), including installation, features, and usage of core components.

• Windows 11 SDK
• Windows 10 SDK
• SDK Features Overview

Developer Guides

In-depth guides covering various aspects of Windows development, from getting started to advanced topics.

• Getting Started with Windows Development
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) Development
• Background Tasks and Services
• Networking and Communication
• Security Best Practices

Code Samples

Explore a rich collection of code samples demonstrating various Windows features and development patterns. Download and run them to learn by example.

• Popular Samples
• API-Specific Samples
• UWP Application Samples

Release Notes

Stay up-to-date with the latest changes, new features, and resolved issues in Windows SDKs and development tools.

• SDK Release History
• Windows Feature Updates

Troubleshooting and Best Practices

Find solutions to common development challenges and learn best practices for building robust and performant Windows applications.

• Common Development Issues
• Performance Optimization
• Accessibility Best Practices

Design Guidelines

Follow Microsoft's design principles to create intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing user experiences for Windows applications.

• Fluent Design System
• UI/UX Guidelines