| title | Windows developer tools |
|---|---|
| description | Windows includes built-in tools designed for developers — a package manager, a Linux subsystem, optimized storage, and more. |
| ms.topic | overview |
| ms.date | 03/26/2026 |
Windows supports a wide range of development workflows. Tools like Visual Studio Code and GitHub Copilot are well-integrated on Windows, and with AI assistance built into your editor and terminal, it's straightforward to write scripts and build utilities to automate your work. Whether you're developing for Windows, the web, or cross-platform, this page points you to the tools and setup guides to get started.
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Windows Terminal
Customize your terminal environment to work with multiple command line shells.
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WinGet
Install and configure packages through command-line or declarative manifests.
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Windows Subsystem for Linux
Run your favorite Linux distribution fully integrated with Windows.
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Microsoft PowerToys
A set of power user utilities to tune and streamline your Windows experience.
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Dev Drive
A storage volume optimized for performance in developer scenarios.
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Sudo for Windows
Run elevated commands directly from an unelevated console session.
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Watch the Windows developer tools overview from Microsoft Ignite to see these tools in action.
Follow these guides to set up your development environment for your preferred language or framework on Windows.
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Get started with JavaScript
Set up your JavaScript development environment with Node.js, React, Vue, and more.
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Get started with Python
Install Python and set up your development environment on Windows.
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Get started with Java
Install a JDK, configure JAVA_HOME, and set up your Java development environment on Windows.
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Get started with C++ and C
Develop apps, services, and tools with C++, C, and assembly.
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Get started with C#
Build apps using C# and .NET.
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Get started with Rust
Get started programming with Rust, including how to set up Rust for Windows.
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Get started with PowerShell
Cross-platform task automation and configuration management using PowerShell.
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Get started with Docker
Create remote development containers with support from VS, VS Code, .NET, and WSL.
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Get started building Windows apps
Build desktop apps with WinUI and the Windows App SDK.
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Get started with Game Development
Build games for Windows using Microsoft's game development tools and services.
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Check out our guide to transitioning between a Mac and Windows (or Windows Subsystem for Linux) development environment.