A whole new kind of app
Get started
Download the tools
It’s easier than you think to create a Windows Store app. Follow this guide to get the tools you need, create your own apps, and publish them on the Windows Store.
Explore
You don’t need to learn a new language to start building a Windows Store app—you can create a Windows Store app with what you already know!
Plan and design
By taking advantage of user experience guidelines and design patterns, you can design an app that’s attractive and easy to use.
Develop
When you create a Windows Store app, you have access to easy-to-use APIs that simplify layout and presentation, and let you search and share with other apps, create live tiles that update in the background, use devices like cameras and geographic location sensors.
Sell your app
Windows 8 offers the single largest potential market for your apps. Windows 8 and the Windows Store attract millions of customers around the world to find, try, and buy your apps.
Essential downloads
Get Visual Studio Express 2012
Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8 is your tool to build, test, and deploy Windows Store apps. It includes the Windows 8 SDK, Blend for Visual Studio, and project templates. (You must first install Windows 8.)
Get the samples
Sometimes, the best way to learn is to look at an example, so we’ve created hundreds of Windows Store app samples for you to learn from. You can also download all the official samples at one time by getting the Windows 8 app samples pack.
Download the Windows 8 app samples pack
(English)
Choose a language, build your first app
JavaScript and HTML tutorial
Take advantage of your web skills and build a Windows Store app using HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.
C#/VB and XAML
tutorial
Use your .NET, WPF, or Silverlight skills to build a Windows Store app using XAML with C# or VB.
C++ and XAML
tutorial
Take advantage of your expertise and use C++ with XAML to build Windows Store apps.
C++ and DirectX
tutorial
Know DirectX? You can develop a Windows Store app that takes full advantage of graphics hardware.
Sign up for a developer account
Before you can publish your app to the Windows Store, you need a developer account. The Windows Store offers two types of developer accounts: individual accounts, and company accounts. Developer accounts are offered in many countries and regions.
Learn more
Resources for iOS developers
These design and programming resources for iOS developers will help you get started building Windows Store apps.
Windows 8 Product Guide for Developers
Learn about the new features of Windows 8 and the opportunities it provides that make it a great platform for developers.
Hands-on labs for Windows 8
Get a modular, step-by-step introduction to creating a Windows Store app in JavaScript with HTML or C# with XAML.
Programming Windows 8 Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
This free ebook provides detailed design and coding guidance that will help you create great Windows Store apps.
