Windows is evolving its security model, while remaining committed to app compatibility and providing developers with the tools and guidance needed to adapt. As apps and AI agents grow more powerful, clarity and consent at the operating system level matter more than ever. We are introducing Windows Baseline Security Mode and User Transparency and Consent in Windows to establish a more robust security model that advances app transparency and user consent, with features that make app behavior more visible and app permissions easier to understand and manage. This will roll out through a phased approach guided by clear principles – developed in close partnership with developers, enterprises and ecosystem partners to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition. We invite you to share your insights and help refine this journey with us. Read more: https://msft.it/6043QbHQS
Windows Developer
Everything you need to know to develop great apps, games and other experiences for Windows.
Updates
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Windows app development, streamlined ⚙️ We launched winapp CLI, a command-line tool designed to simplify how developers bring modern Windows features into their apps, regardless of framework. From generating manifests and certificates to pulling SDKs and packaging for distribution, winapp CLI helps you move from setup to shipping with less friction. Watch our demo with Nikola Metulev below. 👇 https://lnkd.in/dmQriG74
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Fast, on-device AI text recognition powered by Windows AI APIs 📄 During Microsoft Ignite, we showed how developers can use text recognition, also known as optical character recognition (OCR), in their apps. From extracting structured text and bounding boxes to running locally with hardware acceleration, OCR is a simple way to turn images into usable data without having to rely on the cloud. 🎥 Watch the full Microsoft Ignite session: https://msft.it/6041QZqeW 🧠 Get started with AI text recognition (OCR): https://msft.it/6042QZqeo
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App Content Search, powered by the Windows AI APIs, lets developers integrate intelligent search directly into their Windows apps using the AppContentIndexer API. 🔍 By enabling local knowledge retrieval via RAG and enabling semantic queries, users can search by meaning and get personalized results. At Microsoft Ignite, we demonstrated how this API can be used to build context-specific experiences. Now in public preview, the AppContentIndexer API grounds your AI-powered search to your data locally and securely. Watch the full Ignite session: https://msft.it/6047QV9pX Learn more about App Content Search: https://msft.it/6048QV9pk
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The way developers work is evolving ⚡ We asked our team to share some habits they think will change over the next two years. See what Craig A. Loewen, Anastasiya Tarnouskaya, and Andrew Leader had to say.
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Developers building for the Microsoft Store now have access to enhanced tools designed to improve visibility and streamline workflows. With updated analytics, clearer performance insights, and improved developer experiences, these enhancements make it easier to monitor, iterate, and grow your apps with confidence. Explore what’s new: https://msft.it/6044QRbNG
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ARM app momentum in Japan is accelerating fast. Developers across the region are enabling their apps for Windows on ARM—unlocking industry‑leading performance, longer battery life, and built‑in AI acceleration on Copilot+ PCs. From PFU's ScanSnap US to the iconic Hidemaru Editor, more ISVs are discovering that enabling for ARM is smoother than expected and opens the door to a rapidly growing ecosystem of AI‑powered Windows experiences. The takeaway: Windows on ARM is ready. Your apps can be too. Explore how leading Japanese apps are embracing the future: https://msft.it/6042QuqDw
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Cowork is now available on Windows. Cowork on Windows is in research preview and available to all paid Claude plans. Try now: https://lnkd.in/evebbZhs
Cowork is now available on Windows. Since we launched Cowork as a research preview on macOS, the most consistent request has been Windows support, especially from enterprise teams. Today, we're delivering it with full feature parity: file access, multi-step task execution, plugins, and MCP connectors. We're also introducing global and folder instructions. Tell Claude once how you like to work and it'll carry that into every session. For project-specific work, folder instructions let you set context tied to a particular local folder. Cowork on Windows is in research preview and available to all paid Claude plans. Try now: claude.com/cowork
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From experimenting in the CLI to building a full application with the SDK, Foundry Local helps developers bring open-source models from the cloud to run securely and efficiently on their local PC. At Microsoft Ignite, we demonstrated an example for how Foundry Local can be used in an application. 📺 Watch the full session from Microsoft Ignite: https://msft.it/6048QPDAu 👉 Learn more about Foundry Local: https://msft.it/6049QPDAR