Get Started

Use the resources on this page to start coding Windows client applications efficiently and productively in a short period of time.

WPF

WPF, a component of Microsoft .NET Framework 4, empowers you to build the next-generation of Windows user experiences. WPF supports UI, media, documents, hardware acceleration, vector graphics, scalability to different form factors, integration with Windows, interactive data visualization, and superior content readability. Read all about recent updated and additions to WPF here.

Windows Forms

Windows Forms is a set of classes in the .NET Framework that enables rapid development of rich Windows client applications, with powerful, extensible libraries for user-interface controls and graphics. You can incorporate WPF in your Windows Forms applications through WPF-Windows Forms interoperability in the .NET 4 Framework.

Get the Runtime And Tools

To get started with WPF or Windows Forms, visit the Essential Downloads page and download the .NET Framework 4, Visual Studio, and Expression Blend, then follow the Start Learning steps below.

Start Learning

Once the basic toolset's installed it's time to begin your training. The collections below are organized to advance you quickly and get you productive as soon as possible.