Setting up the Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 development environment

Overview

This tutorial explains the steps a developer needs to follow in order to be able to develop and test Windows 8.1 Universal and Windows 10 UWP applications.

Prerequisite: As you setup your Windows development environment, make sure to also read the Setting up the Mobile Foundation development environment tutorial.

Registration

1. Register as a Windows developer

• Create an Microsoft account to be used by your organization/team admin.
• Using the Microsoft ID, sign-in to the Windows Dev Center.

Learn more in the Windows developer support website

Development

Application development for either Windows 8.1 Universal or Windows 10 UWP requires a PC workstation running either the Windows 8.1 or Windows 10 operating system, with Microsoft Visual Studio 2013 or 2015.

Windows 8.1 Universal

A Windows 8.1 Universal application Solution is made up from three projects:

• Shared code for business logic
• A project for Windows Desktop/tablet applications
• A project for Windows Phone applications

Windows 8.1 Universal requires:

• Windows OS 8.1 or higher
• Visual Studio 2013 or 2015

Windows 10 UWP

A Windows 10 UWP (Universal Windows Platform) application Solution is made up from a single project containing:

• Shared code for business logic
• Adaptive UI (for both Desktop/tablet and Phone)

Windows 10 UWP requires:

• Windows OS 8.1 or higher
• Visual Studio 2015

What’s Next

Now that the Mobile Foundation and Windows development environment are set up, continue to Quick Start category to experience Mobile Foundation, or to All Tutorials to learn specific aspects of Mobile Foundation development.