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Downloads for developing desktop apps

Download the Windows 8 SDK

The Windows Software Development Kit for Windows 8 contains headers, libraries, and select tools that you can use during the creation of applications that run on Windows. It also includes the Windows App Certification Kit (ACK) to test your desktop app for the Windows 8 Certification Program and the Windows 7 Logo Program.

Use this version to develop desktop apps for Windows 8 and all versions of Windows, except Windows XP.

Get details about the Windows 8 SDK.

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Download Visual Studio Professional 2012

Visual Studio Professional 2012 provides the foundation for efficient, high-quality desktop app development for Windows. It provides a complete development environment, including compilers and a build environment. It also includes the Windows 8 SDK.

If you are an MSDN subscriber, you can download Visual Studio Professional 2012 from the MSDN Subscriber Downloads page.
A trial version of Visual Studio Professional 2012 is also available for download.

Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Desktop
Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Desktop enables the creation of desktop apps in C#, Visual Basic, and C++, and supports Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Windows Forms, and Win32.

Download Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Desktop.

Note: Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Desktop cannot be used to build Windows Store apps. If you want to build Windows Store apps, you can also install Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8. Or, to develop apps for all Microsoft platforms and the web, use Visual Studio Professional 2012.

Get Windows 8

If you are an MSDN subscriber, you can download Windows 8 from the MSDN Subscriber Downloads page.
An evaluation version of Windows 8 is available on MSDN. (Note this version will expire and you cannot upgrade.)
Windows 8 is also available for purchase.

Essential Windows 7 Downloads

Windows SDK for Windows 7 and .NET Framework 4

Visual Studio 2010

Windows 7 Developer Guide

Windows 7 Training Kit