7 UWP Books That Accelerate Your Windows Development

When Alvin Ashcraft first noticed the limitations developers faced in building modern Windows applications, he set out to bridge the gap with WinUI 3.0. This book walks you through setting up Visual Studio for UWP projects, applying the MVVM pattern for maintainable code, and modernizing legacy Win32 apps with WinUI controls. You'll explore Fluent Design principles and leverage the Windows Community Toolkit to create polished user experiences. If you're comfortable with C# and .NET and want to deepen your Windows app development skills, this guide offers a solid foundation without assuming prior WinUI knowledge.

The methods Alvin Ashcraft developed while working extensively on Windows desktop technologies led to this practical guide focused on WinUI 3 and the Windows App SDK. You’ll learn how to build modern Windows applications using C# and XAML, covering everything from setting up your development environment to implementing the MVVM pattern for maintainability. The book also dives into leveraging Fluent Design principles and Windows Community Toolkit features, plus creating cross-platform apps with Uno Platform, making it ideal if you want to modernize legacy desktop apps or start new projects with the latest Windows UI components. It suits developers familiar with C# and .NET eager to master the latest Windows app development techniques.

This tailored book explores the intricate landscape of Universal Windows Platform (UWP) development with a focus on your specific background and goals. It covers core concepts of UWP architecture and progressively guides you through advanced techniques for building expert-level applications. By matching the content to your interests, the book delves into practical aspects such as adaptive UIs, app lifecycle management, and integration with Windows features. This personalized guide reveals pathways through complex topics, enabling a deeper understanding of UWP’s capabilities while aligning with your unique learning journey.

Drawing from his deep expertise as the lead of Microsoft's Windows App Consult team, Matteo Pagani offers a thorough guide to modernizing legacy Windows desktop applications with the Windows App SDK and WinUI 3. This book walks you through enhancing existing Windows Forms, WPF, and UWP apps to support modern interfaces like Fluent Design, touch, and inking, while integrating cutting-edge Windows 11 features such as WinML for offline machine learning and Windows Hello. By focusing on practical migration strategies and real-world sample apps, it equips you to update your software without a full rewrite. If you build line-of-business apps and want to refresh their UI and capabilities using familiar .NET tools, this book directly addresses that challenge.

What happens when a Microsoft principal developer evangelist dives deep into Windows 10 app creation? Sergii Baidachnyi breaks down the Universal Windows Platform so you can build apps that truly work across all Windows devices, from desktops to HoloLens. You’ll get hands-on with XAML, adaptive interfaces, advanced controls like maps and media, voice integration via Cortana, and even Azure services. The book doesn’t just skim basics; it guides you through monetization strategies and exploring Internet of Things scenarios, all grounded in C# programming. If you want a solid bridge from C# knowledge to building rich, versatile UWP applications, this book fits perfectly.

When Kunal Chowdhury first explored the evolving landscape of Visual Studio 2017, he recognized the need for a resource that bridges the gap between traditional Windows applications and modern cloud-connected software. This book dives deep into the practicalities of using Visual Studio 2017’s new features, guiding you through building apps with WPF and UWP, mastering C# 7.0 enhancements, and integrating Azure for cloud development. You'll also gain hands-on knowledge of NuGet package management and effective debugging techniques. If you’re a .NET developer looking to expand your toolkit with the latest Microsoft technologies and streamline your workflow, this book offers targeted insights without overwhelming you with unnecessary jargon.

This tailored book explores a focused, step-by-step pathway to rapidly build and deploy Universal Windows Platform (UWP) applications. It covers essential development phases from initial project setup to final launch, emphasizing practical actions suited to your background and goals. By tailoring content to your experience and specific interests, the book enables efficient assimilation of core UWP concepts alongside targeted guidance for app optimization and deployment practices. It examines key tools and APIs, simplifying the complexities of UWP development into manageable daily milestones. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with relevant challenges and solutions, accelerating your path to a successful app launch.

While working as a Developer Evangelist at Microsoft, Pete Brown leveraged decades of programming experience to craft this guide for C# developers transitioning to Windows Store app development. You get detailed instruction on XAML and the Windows Runtime API, with chapters covering everything from UI design and controls to asynchronous programming and app deployment. The book breaks down complex concepts like app contracts and sensor integration through practical examples, such as building a chat app using sockets. If you’re comfortable with C# and want to master creating and selling modern Windows Store apps, this book offers a thorough, example-driven path without assuming prior Windows 8 experience.

Drawing from his extensive background in game development and programming, Gunther Pasetzky offers a focused walkthrough of creating a 2D Windows game using C# and the MonoGame framework. You’ll learn how to architect your game, integrate graphics and sounds, and navigate publishing both as a UWP app and a desktop application through Visual Studio 2022. The book breaks down each development stage with clear explanations, including managing external resources and project configuration, making it particularly useful for developers aiming to bring their game projects to the Microsoft Store. If you’re serious about building Windows games with manageable complexity, this tutorial gives you a detailed roadmap without unnecessary fluff.