Merge pull request #6147 from MicrosoftDocs/main

Auto Publish – main to live - 2025-12-23 05:00 UTC

Author: learn-build-service-prod[bot]

hub/apps/get-started/best-practices.md

@@ -92,6 +92,8 @@ items:
       href: whats-new/community.md              
   - name: Help and guidance
     items:
+    - name: Windows developers and their tools
+      href: whats-new/personae.md
     - name: Best practices
       href: get-started/best-practices.md
     - name: Glossary

hub/apps/toc.yml

@@ -0,0 +1,263 @@
+---
+title: Choose the Right Tools and Frameworks for Your Windows App
+description: Discover the best tools and frameworks for building Windows apps tailored to your needs. Learn how to optimize for performance, accessibility, and user experience.
+keywords: what's new, Windows 11, Windows, developers, WinUI, sdk, tools
+ms.date: 12/22/2025
+author: GrantMeStrength
+ms.author: jken
+ms.reviewer: jken
+ms.topic: overview
+ms.localizationpriority: medium
+---
+
+# Windows developers and their tools
+
+Windows supports a wide range of application types and development workflows. Whether you're building desktop apps, web experiences, games, or cross-platform solutions, the platform offers tools and frameworks to match your goals.
+
+The following personas represent typical Windows developers. Each profile outlines the kinds of apps they build, the technologies they rely on, and the tools they prefer—helping you identify the right starting point for your own development journey.
+
+## Emily - Desktop app developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/developers-collaborating-workspace.jpg" alt-text="'Two developers collaborating at a desk with dual monitors displaying code and project details in a workspace setting.'.":::
+
+**Bio:** Emily builds rich, performant desktop applications for Windows. She focuses on delivering intuitive user experiences and leveraging native Windows capabilities.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- Productivity tools
+- Creative design apps
+- Utilities
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [WinUI 3](/windows/apps/winui/winui3/)
+- [WPF](/dotnet/desktop/wpf/overview/)
+- [Windows App SDK](/windows/apps/windows-app-sdk/)
+- [.NET MAUI](/dotnet/maui/)
+- [.NET](/dotnet/)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- Visual Studio
+- Visual Studio Code
+
+**Top-of-mind:**
+
+- Integrating AI capabilities while maintaining performance and responsiveness.
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Optimize for high DPI and accessibility. Use Fluent Design principles. Package apps with MSIX for secure deployment.
+
+---
+
+
+## Carlos - Web app developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/web-app-developer-presentation.jpg" alt-text="Illustration of a web app developer.":::
+
+**Bio:** Carlos builds responsive, high-performance web applications that integrate with Windows services or run in hybrid environments.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)
+- Internal dashboards
+- Consumer-facing web apps
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [WebView2](/Microsoft-edge/webview2/)
+- [React](https://react.dev)
+- [Angular](https://angular.dev)
+- [Blazor](/aspnet/core/blazor/?view=aspnetcore-8.0)
+- [ASP.NET Core](/aspnet/core/?view=aspnetcore-8.0)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- WSL
+- Visual Studio Code
+- Node.js
+- Azure DevOps
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Optimize for performance and accessibility. Use responsive design for multiple screen sizes. Secure apps by using HTTPS and OAuth.
+
+---
+
+
+## Aisha - Game developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/game-developer-workstation.jpg" alt-text="Illustration of a game developer.":::
+
+**Bio:** Aisha builds immersive gaming experiences for Windows by using powerful graphics APIs and engines. She prioritizes performance and rendering quality.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- AAA and indie games
+- Simulation and VR experiences
+- Educational apps
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [DirectX 12](/windows/win32/direct3d12/directx-12-programming-guide)
+- [Unity](https://unity.com)
+- [Unreal](https://www.unrealengine.com)
+- [Gaming GDK](/gaming/gdk/)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- C++
+- Visual Studio
+- Unity Editor
+- PIX for Windows
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Optimize for GPU and CPU performance. Implement HDR and ray tracing where possible. Use Game Bar and Xbox Live services for engagement.
+
+---
+
+
+## David - Enterprise/line-of-business developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/enterprise-developer-tablet.jpg" alt-text="Illustration of an Enterprise developer.":::
+
+**Bio:** David develops secure, scalable enterprise applications for internal business processes and workflows.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- Line-of-business apps
+- Internal tools
+- Data-driven dashboards
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [.NET](/dotnet/)
+- [WinForms](/dotnet/desktop/winforms/overview/?view=netdesktop-8.0)
+- [WPF](/dotnet/desktop/wpf/overview/)
+- [Entity Framework Core](/ef/core/)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- Visual Studio
+- SQL Server Management Studio
+- Azure DevOps
+
+**Top-of-mind:**
+
+- Leveraging Windows App SDK capabilities in existing WPF applications.
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Focus on security and compliance. Ensure maintainability and scalability. Use MVVM for clean architecture.
+
+---
+
+
+## Pradeep - Cross-platform mobile developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/cross-platform-dev-workstation.jpg" alt-text="Illustration of a mobile developer.":::
+
+**Bio:** Pradeep creates apps that run seamlessly across Windows, Android, and iOS using modern cross-platform frameworks.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- Mobile productivity apps
+- Cross-platform utilities
+- Consumer apps
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [.NET MAUI](/dotnet/maui/)
+- [React Native for Windows](/windows/dev-environment/javascript/react-native-for-windows)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- Visual Studio
+- VS Code
+- Azure App Services
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Design for multiple screen sizes. Test on all target platforms. Use shared code libraries for efficiency.
+
+---
+
+
+## Liam - Open source/community developer
+
+:::image type="content" source="./images/open-source-developer-working-laptop.jpg" alt-text="Illustration of an open source developer.":::
+
+**Bio:** Liam contributes to open-source projects and builds tools that empower the developer community.
+
+**What they build:**
+
+- Developer tools
+- Community-driven libraries
+- CLI utilities
+
+**Go-to tech:**
+
+- [Visual Studio Code extensions](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/vscode)
+- [GitHub Actions](https://github.com/features/actions)
+- [Node.js](https://nodejs.org)
+
+**Favorite tools:**
+
+- WSL
+- Windows Terminal and PowerShell
+- Visual Studio Code
+- GitHub
+- Docker
+
+> [!TIP]
+> Write clear documentation. Engage with the community for feedback. Automate workflows by using CI/CD.
+
+
+## Choose technologies by application type
+
+Different application types have different goals, architectures, and platform requirements. The following examples highlight typical Windows application scenarios and suggest appropriate technologies for each.
+
+### Enterprise applications
+
+**Use case:** Internal line-of-business systems, data-driven dashboards, workflow tools.
+
+**Recommended technologies:**
+- UI: [WPF](/dotnet/desktop/wpf/overview), [WinForms](/dotnet/desktop/winforms/overview), [.NET MAUI](/dotnet/maui/)
+- Backend: [.NET](/dotnet/), [Entity Framework Core](/ef/core/)
+- Packaging: [MSIX](/windows/msix/)
+- Deployment: [Azure DevOps](/azure/devops/)
+
+### Utility applications
+
+**Use case:** Lightweight, focused tools that run quickly and feel modern.
+
+**Recommended technologies:**
+- UI: [WinUI 3](/windows/apps/winui/winui3/), [.NET MAUI](/dotnet/maui/)
+- Framework: [Windows App SDK](/windows/apps/windows-app-sdk/)
+- Packaging: [MSIX](/windows/msix/)
+- Design: [Fluent Design System](/windows/apps/design/)
+
+### Games and immersive applications
+
+**Use case:** Games, simulations, or XR/VR applications requiring performance and advanced graphics.
+
+**Recommended technologies:**
+- Graphics: [DirectX 12](/windows/win32/direct3d12/)
+- Gaming: [Gaming GDK](/gaming/gdk/)
+- Engines: [Unity](https://unity.com), [Unreal Engine](https://www.unrealengine.com)
+- [Visual Studio](/visualstudio/)
+
+### Headless or background applications
+
+**Use case:** Services, agents, or CLI tools that run without a user interface.
+
+**Recommended technologies:**
+- Language: [.NET](/dotnet/), [C++](/cpp/)
+- Packaging: [Windows Services](/windows/win32/services/)
+- Automation: [PowerShell](/powershell/), [Task Scheduler](/windows/win32/taskschd/task-scheduler-start-page)
+
+### Web or hybrid applications
+
+**Use case:** Cross-platform web-based applications that may integrate with Windows features.
+
+**Recommended technologies:**
+- Front end: [React](https://react.dev), [Blazor](/aspnet/core/blazor/)
+- Hosting: [ASP.NET Core](/aspnet/core/), [Azure App Service](/azure/app-service/)
+- Hybrid: [WebView2](/microsoft-edge/webview2/)

hub/apps/whats-new/images/cross-platform-dev-workstation.jpg

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 title: What's new for Windows app developers
 description: Learn what's new for developers in Windows 11 and tools
 keywords: what's new, Windows 11, Windows, developers, WinUI, sdk, tools
-ms.date: 11/26/2025
+ms.date: 12/22/2025
 ms.topic: whats-new
 ms.localizationpriority: medium
 ---
@@ -37,22 +37,29 @@ Find the latest downloads, release notes, and updates for the Windows SDK, Windo
 
 ---
 
-## Highlights – November 2025
+## Highlights – December 2025
+
+
+- **Windows App SDK release notes**: Refactored and consolidated history from 0.5 through 2.0 — find the latest fixes and APIs in one place ([release notes hub](../windows-app-sdk/release-notes/windows-app-sdk-2-0.md)).
+- **Windows SDK updates**: New overview and detailed release notes to track SDK changes ([overview](/windows/apps/windows-sdk/) · [release notes](/windows/apps/windows-sdk/release-notes)).
+- **AI on Windows**: Fresh overview for building AI‑powered experiences on Windows, with entry points to APIs and tooling ([Windows AI overview](/windows/ai/)).
+- **Packaged vs. unpackaged guidance**: Updated guidance for choosing and configuring packaged or unpackaged apps, including WinUI 3 scenarios ([decision guide](../get-started/intro-pack-dep-proc.md)).
+- **UWP capability declarations**: Revised topic clarifying capability types, privacy‑sensitive capabilities, and Store submission considerations ([declare capabilities](/windows/uwp/packaging/app-capability-declarations)).
+
+Previous highlights:
 
-- **Ignite**: Explore sessions, workshops, and resources for Windows developers at [Microsoft Ignite](/windows/apps/whats-new/windows-at-ignite) (November 18–21, 2025)
 - **MCP on Windows**: [Model Context Protocol](/windows/ai/mcp/overview) (MCP) on Windows: integrate with local and cloud AI models using a standardized protocol.
 - **Image generation**:Image generation with Microsoft Foundry on Windows: create images from text prompts using the new [Image Generation API](/windows/ai/apis/image-generation).
 - **Microsoft Store**: The latest news from the [Microsoft Store](/windows/apps/publish/whats-new-individual-developer) including waived fees and updated analytics.
-- **Windows App SDK**: Phi Silica local language model available via LanguageModel APIs – generate text with built-in moderation ([release notes stable](../windows-app-sdk/release-notes/windows-app-sdk-1-8.md?pivots=stable)).
--**Phi Silica enhancements**: Summarize Conversation and LoRA fine-tuning support for scenario‑specific adaptation ([experimental channel 1.8](../windows-app-sdk/release-notes/windows-app-sdk-1-8.md?pivots=experimental)).
 - **AppWindow.SetIcon API**: refined guidance for setting window and taskbar icons (branding improvement) ([API ref](/windows/windows-app-sdk/api/winrt/microsoft.ui.windowing.appwindow.seticon)).
 - **Win32 app isolation overview**: updated security guidance for packaging decisions ([overview](/windows/win32/secauthz/app-isolation-overview)).
+- **Ignite**: Explore sessions, workshops, and resources for Windows developers at [Microsoft Ignite](/windows/apps/whats-new/windows-at-ignite) (November 18–21, 2025)
 
-#### Documentation
+### Documentation
 
 | Feature | Description |
 | :------ | :------ |
 | [Start developing Windows apps](/windows/apps/get-started/start-here) | Comprehensive starting point for Windows app development. |
 | [Win32 app isolation overview](/windows/win32/secauthz/app-isolation-overview) | Security and reliability benefits of isolating Win32 apps. |
 | [AppWindow.SetIcon](/windows/windows-app-sdk/api/winrt/microsoft.ui.windowing.appwindow.seticon) | API reference for setting a window icon (Windows App SDK). |
-| [Get started with Windows AI APIs](/windows/ai/apis/get-started) | Quickstart building apps using Windows AI. |
+| [Get started with Windows AI APIs](/windows/ai/apis/get-started) | Quickstart building apps using Windows AI. |