UWP

Universal Windows Platform (UWP) is a software platform from Microsoft designed to enable developers to create applications that can run across a broad range of Windows 10 and later devices with a single codebase. The goal is to deliver a consistent app experience on PCs, tablets, Xbox consoles, mixed reality headsets, and certain IoT devices.

UWP apps are built on the Windows Runtime (WinRT) and can be developed in languages such as C#, VB.NET, C++, or JavaScript (with HTML/CSS). User interfaces are typically described using XAML. Apps are packaged in AppX or MSIX format and declare their capabilities and device family requirements in a manifest file. The platform emphasizes a sandboxed execution environment with restricted permissions, background task support, and an app lifecycle managed by the operating system.

Deployment and distribution center on the Microsoft Store, with the option to sideload apps on devices configured for developer mode. UWP packaging supports automatic updates and isolation from system changes, contributing to security and reliability across devices.

Device coverage for UWP includes Windows 10 PCs and tablets, Xbox consoles, HoloLens and other mixed reality devices, and certain Windows 10 IoT configurations. Windows 10 Mobile support was part of UWP in earlier years but the mobile platform has been discontinued.

In the development ecosystem, Visual Studio is the primary IDE for UWP, and Microsoft has introduced Windows App SDK (formerly Project Reunion) to unify Windows desktop app development and provide broader access to Win32 and UWP APIs. WinUI is used for modern user interfaces within UWP and related frameworks. While UWP remains supported, Microsoft has emphasized Windows App SDK and related technologies for new cross-device application development.