Start developing on Windows 10 October 2018 Update today

We’re excited to announce that the Windows 10 October 2018 Update (build 17763) and SDK is now available. You may also know this as Windows 10, version 1809.

New APIs and Features for developers

Every update of Windows 10 is loaded with new APIs but don’t worry, Windows Dev Center has a full list of what is new for developers. Here are a few of my favorites.

1. WinUI Library: This is the way to get new controls! We are shipping new controls out-of-band such as Menu Bar and Navigation View. Head to https://www.nuget.org/packages/Microsoft.UI.Xaml for the latest package.
2. Density UI improvements: We’re making the default spacing and sizing about 20% tighter compared to the old standard.
3. MSIX packaging tool: The new packaging tool also makes upgrading existing applications a breeze to the new packaging format. It works both in an interactive UI or commandline! If you want to learn more about MSIX, head over to Docs.

Update your dev environment in two simple steps

1. Update your system to Windows 10 October 2018 Update.
2. Get Visual Studio 2017 with the updated tooling and Windows 10 SDK.

How to update your device to Windows 10 October 2018 Update

There are multiple ways you can update, but the easiest way is to go to Windows Update in your settings and click “check for updates.” It’s that simple!

Acquire the Windows 10 SDK and Visual Studio 2017

Now that your system is on Windows 10 October 2018 Update, install Visual Studio and the new SDK.

• Currently with Visual Studio 2017, version 15.8:

1. Run the installer or go to https://www.visualstudio.com/downloads/ and download it.
2. Go to “Individual Components”
3. Go to “SDKs, libraries, and frameworks” section
4. Check “Windows 10 SDK (10.0.17763)”
5. Click “Install”

• In the near future with Visual Studio 2017, version 15.9:

1. Run the installer or go to https://www.visualstudio.com/downloads/ and download it.
2. Select “Universal Windows Platform development” under Workloads, Windows 10 SDK (10.0.17763) will be included by default
3. Click “Install.”

More useful tips

Do you want tools for C++ desktop or game development for UWP? Be sure one of these two are selected:

• C++ Universal Windows Platform tools in the UWP Workload section
  • Desktop development with C++ Workload and the Windows SDK 10 (10.0.17763)
• If you want the Universal Windows Platform tools:
  • Select the Universal Windows Platform tools workload.

Once your systems are updated and recompiled and your app is tested, submit your app to Dev Center.

Your take on the Update

Tell us what crazy things you’ve been working on with the new Update by tweeting @WindowsDev or @ClintRutkas.

Source: Start developing on Windows 10 October 2018 Update today