Developer downloads for programming Windows Store apps

Download Windows 8

If you’re an MSDN subscriber, you can get Windows 8 from MSDN Subscriber Downloads.

If you’re not an MSDN subscriber, you can download an evaluation version of Windows 8 from Evaluation Center. Note this version will expire and you cannot upgrade.

Buy Windows 8

Download the tools and SDK

Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8 is your tool to build Windows apps. It includes the Windows 8 SDK, Blend for Visual Studio, and project templates. You must first install Windows 8.

Get details and additional languages

Download now(392 MB, English)

Free Microsoft Press ebook

The final release of Programming Windows 8 Apps with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, a free ebook from Microsoft Press, is now available. Seventeen chapters in all, covering the breadth of WinJS and WinRT API. Topics include app anatomy, controls, layout, commanding, state, input, sensors, media, animations, contracts, tiles and notifications, networking, printing, WinRT components, localization, and the Windows Store. And because much of the book is really about WinRT and not about HTML/CSS specifics, or about services, it’s also very informative for developers working in C#, VB, and C++. Download today—it’s free!

Design assets

Download design assets (48 MB)

Essential .psd assets including templates, common controls, and common components such as contracts, notifications, and tiles. Learn more about designing Windows apps.

Sample app pack

Download sample app pack (300 MB) 

Hundreds of samples from Microsoft can help jumpstart your project quickly. You can also download samples for a specific programming language, browse individual samples, copy code inline, and leave comments in the samples gallery.

Hands-on labs for Windows 8

These hands-on lab modules guide you through development of a realistic Windows Store app that incorporates many of the key new features available in Windows 8. Labs are available in either JavaScript and HTML or C# and Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML). Get the Windows 8 hands-on labs.

Live SDK

Download the Live SDK

A set of controls and APIs that enable apps to integrate Single Sign On (SSO) with your Microsoft account and access information from SkyDrive, Hotmail, and Windows Live Messenger. Learn more about the Live SDK.

Windows App Certification Kit

Test your app before you submit it for certification and listing in the Windows Store. Learn more about the Windows App Certification Kit.

Remote Tools for Visual Studio 2012

Standalone tools to easily install, test, and profile the performance of a Windows Store app on a PC running Windows 8 without Visual Studio 2012 installed. Get the Remote Tools.

Visual Studio Extensions for the Windows Library for JavaScript

Download Visual Studio Extensions

Resources that enable you to more easily build Windows Store apps using the Windows Library for JavaScript. For more information, see Writing code for Windows Store apps.

Multilingual App Toolkit for Visual Studio 2012

Download Multilingual App Toolkit (3.0 MB, English)

Tools to help you localize your Windows Store app with translation support, translation file management, and editor tools. Get details and additional languages.

Windows Azure Mobile Services

Add a scalable and secure cloud backend as well as incorporate structured storage, user authentication, and push notifications. Get Windows Azure Mobile Services.

Windows 8 Ads in Apps SDK

Use advertising to monetize your applications while presenting a rich, engaging and immersive advertising experience to your users. Get the Windows 8 Ads SDK.

Bing Maps SDK for Windows Store apps

Combine the power of Windows 8 and Bing Maps to incorporate the latest road maps and aerial views into your Windows Store app. This SDK includes controls for apps built using JavaScript, as well as apps built using C#, C++, and Visual Basic. Get the Bing Maps SDK.