Visual Studio

Express for Windows Phone

Build epic apps that go anywhere

With Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Phone, not only can you create experiences that people take with them, but they go places for you, too. .NET apps and games can reuse their business logic across Windows 8, the web (ASP.NET), and Windows Azure so you can move faster.

Build your apps fast with great tools

Windows Phone SDK provides Visual Studio Express 2012 for Windows Phone and the assets to build epic apps faster using what you know. Use .NET to build your apps or take full advantage of the platform for your games with DirectX/C++. .NET apps and games can reuse their business logic across Windows 8, the web (ASP.NET), and Windows Azure so developers can move faster.

Windows Phone apps

The Visual Studio 2012 integrated development environment (IDE) simplifies the development of phone apps so you can focus on delighting your users.

Windows Phone Emulator

Once you’ve built your app, test it using the Windows Phone Emulator. You’ll see it the way users will see it in a simulated, real-world environment.

Blend for Windows Phone

Seamless integration with Blend for Windows Phone means you can create unique and compelling apps that will shine in the Windows Phone Marketplace.

Use with your existing Visual Studio

With the Visual Studio Add-in you can create end-to-end solutions. Create continuous services to power your apps with cloud-based services. Or share business logic across Windows Phone, Windows 8, or ASP.NET.

System Requirements

Supported operating systems

Supported architectures

Hardware requirements

Windows Phone 8 Emulator

If your computer meets the hardware and operating system requirements, but does meet the requirements for the Windows Phone 8 Emulator, the Windows Phone SDK 8.0 will install and run. However, the Windows Phone 8 Emulator will not function and you will not be able to deploy or test apps on the Windows Phone 8 Emulator.

Notes