Windows 8.1 Preview
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It's here!
With Windows 8.1, you can reach more customers on an unprecedented range of devices, enhance user engagement with new features, and enable new revenue opportunities with your app.
Downloads for developing Windows Store apps
Windows 8
MSDN subscribers 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 that this version will expire, and you cannot upgrade.)
Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8
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.
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Get the Windows 8 SDK
If you have a compiler and build environment already, you can download the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows 8 separately. The Windows 8 SDK contains headers, libraries, and tools you need to create Windows Store apps, in the language of your choice. (Includes the Windows App Certification Kit.) Learn more about the Windows 8 SDK.
Toolkits and extensions
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.
Visual Studio Extensions for the Windows Library for JavaScript
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
Tools to help you localize your Windows Store app with translation support, translation file management, and editor tools. Get details and additional languages.
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.
Related SDKs
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 and Outlook.com. Learn more about the Live SDK.
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.
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.
Sample app pack
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.
Design assets
Shorten the design ramp for your app with these essential .psd assets, including templates, common controls, and common components such as contracts, notifications, and tiles. Learn more about designing Windows apps.
Featured Partners
Improve your app with services from our featured partners.
