Updated: May 31, 2023 (August 15, 2022)

Windows App SDK Mostly for New Apps

Before joining Directions on Microsoft, Rob worked at Microsoft for 14 years where he designed technologies for Microsoft products and... more

The Windows App SDK allows developers to build Windows applications with the latest UI elements.
It is delivered separately from the Windows OS, so users do not need a specific Windows version to run applications that use it.
It could be used to upgrade existing Windows desktop applications, but using it to upgrade UI can require a significant migration effort.

The Windows App SDK is a platform framework that allows developers to build native Windows desktop applications using the latest UI design elements, such as those delivered with Windows 11. The SDK could help organizations upgrade older Windows desktop applications without completely rewriting them. However, the difficulty of migrating applications that use older frameworks may outweigh the benefits of upgrading.

Windows App SDK Delivers WinUI 3, WebView2

The Windows App SDK (which was code-named Project Reunion) works in conjunction with but does not replace the Windows SDK, which is the platform framework used for building native Windows applications. Among other things, Windows App SDK delivers two primary components:

Atlas Members have full access

Get access to this and thousands of other unbiased analyses, roadmaps, decision kits, infographics, reference guides, and more, all included with membership. Comprehensive access to the most in-depth and unbiased expertise for Microsoft enterprise decision-making is waiting.

Membership Options

Already have an account? Login Now