Windows SDK Reference

Welcome to the comprehensive reference documentation for the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK). This resource provides detailed information on the APIs, libraries, tools, and technologies available to develop applications for the Windows operating system.

Getting Started with the Windows SDK

The Windows SDK is your gateway to building powerful and modern Windows applications. Explore the following sections to begin your development journey:

Key API Categories

Core Windows APIs

Access the fundamental building blocks of Windows applications:

  • Win32 API: The foundational API for desktop Windows applications, providing access to system services, window management, graphics, and more.
  • COM (Component Object Model): Learn about COM interfaces and their role in enabling object-oriented programming and interoperability.
  • DirectX: For game development and high-performance graphics, explore the DirectX APIs for 2D and 3D graphics rendering, audio, and input.

Modern Windows Development

Discover the latest frameworks and technologies for building modern Windows experiences:

  • UWP (Universal Windows Platform): Develop applications that run across a range of Windows devices with a single codebase.
  • WinUI: The native UI platform for building Windows applications, offering a modern look and feel with Fluent Design.
  • Windows Runtime (WinRT): The modern API projection for Windows, enabling interoperability between different programming languages and application models.

SDK Tools and Utilities

The Windows SDK includes a suite of powerful tools to aid in your development workflow:

Featured Documentation

Popular API References

This index serves as a starting point. Please use the navigation on the left or the search bar above to find specific APIs, concepts, or tools.