Windows 10 SDK Documentation

Welcome to the comprehensive documentation for the Windows 10 Software Development Kit (SDK). This SDK provides the tools, headers, libraries, and samples you need to build modern Windows applications.

SDK Overview

The Windows 10 SDK enables developers to create a wide range of applications for the Windows platform, including Universal Windows Platform (UWP) apps, desktop applications, and games. It includes APIs for graphics, networking, input, security, and much more.

This documentation is structured to guide you through installation, development, and deployment of your Windows applications.

Getting Started

To begin developing with the Windows 10 SDK, follow these steps:

  1. Install Visual Studio: Ensure you have the latest version of Visual Studio installed. The Windows 10 SDK is typically installed as a component during Visual Studio setup.
  2. Install the SDK: If not installed with Visual Studio, you can download the latest Windows 10 SDK from the Microsoft developer website.
  3. Create a New Project: Open Visual Studio and create a new project. Select the appropriate template for your application type (e.g., Blank App (Universal Windows) for UWP, or a Console App for desktop).
  4. Configure Project Settings: Ensure your project targets the desired Windows 10 version and uses the correct SDK.

For detailed installation instructions, refer to the Getting Started Guide.

Key Features

  • Universal Windows Platform (UWP): Build apps that run across all Windows 10 devices.
  • DirectX 12: High-performance graphics and compute capabilities.
  • Windows Runtime (WinRT): A modern component object model for Windows APIs.
  • Desktop Bridge: Package your existing desktop applications for distribution via the Microsoft Store.
  • Ink & Pen Support: Enhanced input handling for pen and touch devices.
  • Windows Hello: Secure biometric authentication.
  • Networking APIs: Robust support for network connectivity and communication.

API Reference

Explore the extensive APIs available in the Windows 10 SDK. This section provides detailed information on classes, methods, properties, and functions.

Core APIs

Windows.Foundation Namespace

Provides fundamental types and services used across the Windows Runtime.

  • IAsyncAction: Represents an asynchronous operation that does not return a value.
  • IAsyncOperation<TResult>: Represents an asynchronous operation that returns a value of type TResult.

Windows.Storage Namespace

APIs for accessing and managing files and folders.

  • StorageFile: Represents a file.
  • StorageFolder: Represents a folder.

UWP APIs

Windows.UI.Xaml Namespace

Core types for building UWP application UIs using XAML.

  • FrameworkElement: The base class for all elements that use the XAML layout system.
  • Control: Represents a UI element that accepts user input.

Windows.Networking Namespace

APIs for network communication.

  • EndpointPair: Represents a pair of network endpoints.

DirectX

The SDK includes headers and libraries for DirectX 12, enabling high-performance graphics rendering.

Win32 APIs

Access to the foundational Win32 APIs for building traditional desktop applications.

Code Samples

Discover practical code samples demonstrating how to use various Windows 10 SDK features. These samples are invaluable for understanding implementation details.

Featured Sample: Camera Capture

Learn how to capture photos and videos using the device's camera.


// C# Example (UWP)
using Windows.Media.Capture;
using Windows.Media.MediaProperties;
using Windows.Storage;
using System;
using System.Threading.Tasks;

async Task CapturePhotoAsync()
{
    var mediaCapture = new MediaCapture();
    await mediaCapture.InitializeAsync();

    var lowLagCapture = await mediaCapture.PrepareLowLagPhotoCaptureAsync(ImageEncodingProperties.CreateJpeg());
    var capturedPhoto = await lowLagCapture.CaptureAsync();

    var photoFile = await KnownFolders.PicturesLibrary.CreateFileAsync("MyPhoto.jpg", CreationCollisionOption.GenerateUniqueName);
    await capturedPhoto.Photo.SaveAsync(photoFile);

    Console.WriteLine($"Photo saved to {photoFile.Path}");
}

Tutorials

Follow step-by-step tutorials to learn how to build specific types of Windows applications, from simple UWP apps to complex DirectX games.

Troubleshooting and Support

Encountering issues? Find solutions to common problems and get support through our community forums and official channels.