Visual Studio

Express for Windows 8

Your idea + millions of customers

You have the ideas. Microsoft Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows 8 has the tools you need to create exceptional applications for multiple platforms. Build the next killer app, submit it to the Windows Store, and instantly reach a global audience of millions. But start soon. Your private island won’t wait forever.

Use the language of your choice

Easily transition your skills to develop Windows 8 apps by using XAML in conjunction with C#, VB.NET and C++. Web developers can also use HTML5 and JavaScript or build hybrid applications to get the best of every environment.

Design-centric tooling

Design your app in Visual Studio or take advantage of Blend for Visual Studio 2012. Blend for Visual Studio 2012 includes new, powerful, design-centric tools for XAML and HTML5. When Blend and Visual Studio are used simultaneously changes in one tool is recognized in the other, ensuring that you are in sync with the latest version.

Optimized high-fidelity designers

New designers make building Windows 8 apps easier and faster than ever. Design your app in your preferred way. Edit your XAML code directly while taking advantage of IntelliTrace to move quickly. Or take advantage of design surfaces giving you a visual design surface with device properties showing you how your app will look on different form factors.

Innovations for highly interactive applications

The new interactive mode lets developers experience the application while building it, significantly reducing the time it takes to create highly interactive applications.

Everyday tasks done faster

Visual Studio 2012’s new user interface makes it easier to navigate through the code, provides quicker access to common tasks and improves overall performance, saving time with everyday tasks.

Reduce costs and streamline your developer operations

Move your development process to the cloud with Team Foundation Service, dramatically reducing your infrastructure maintenance and easily connecting to providers and external teams. With Team Foundation Service, your code is always safely managed and accessible.

Connected Devices, Continuous Services

Cloud enables your app with APIs that streamline connecting to continuous services. Or get Visual Studio 2012 Professional to create your own services that will be consumed by your Windows 8 App.

Develop on a “Device”

It doesn’t matter if you have a tablet or not, Visual Studio includes the tools to experience your app on one. Choose to deploy to your local machine for a chrome-less experience or to the Simulator to test portable functionality. Or remote debug applications on a tablet for the physical experience.

Create and Profit

Focus on creating the most impactful apps and then deploy them to the Windows App Store for broad distribution, visibility, and monetization. With transparent terms and global reach, your apps give you the opportunity to monetize your work.

System Requirements

Supported operating systems

Supported architectures

Hardware requirements