Extracted from the Microsoft Build 2024 event, one intriguing announcement was made by Microsoft stating that the development of Win32 apps on Windows will now be recommended to use only two UI development tools: WPF (Windows Presentation Foundation) and WinUI 3. Farewell to WinForms, as it is not being fully supported but not recommended for use anymore.
Understanding WinUI 3 is not difficult, as it is the latest UI framework by Microsoft with a plethora of new cutting-edge features. Microsoft advises that for any new app development, opting for WinUI 3 should be the primary choice.
Microsoft has started to transition some of its own apps to utilize WinUI 3, such as File Explorer and Photos, while partner companies like Apple have also adapted WinUI 3 for their apps like Apple TV, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple Devices on Windows.
On the WPF front, Microsoft acknowledges that it has been a familiar tool for .NET developers for over 15 years with extensive support tools. However, the missing piece was aligning WPF’s appearance with modern themes like Windows 11. Microsoft has made progress in this aspect, showcasing a glimpse at Build event and beginning testing in .NET 9 Preview 4.
The Windows 11 themed WPF appearance can be seen in the Microsoft’s own sample app named WPF Gallery.
Microsoft further recommends .NET/WPF developers to shift towards using Windows App SDK, a tool that bridges apps with OS features to leverage benefits of new features such as enhanced security, faster notifications, and quicker installation/uninstallation processes. Microsoft has released Windows App SDK 1.5+ now catering to .NET better, resulting in faster app runtime and smaller file sizes.
Source: Microsoft Blog, Microsoft Build
TLDR: Microsoft recommends developing Win32 apps on Windows using WPF and WinUI 3, transitioning towards Windows App SDK for enhanced OS feature integration and improved app performance.
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