Is WinUI 3 the native UI framework for new C++ desktop applications?

Harshithraj1871 1,786 Reputation points
2026-07-10T07:05:50.2566667+00:00

Hi,

We are developing a new native Windows desktop application in C++ and are currently evaluating the UI framework to use for the Windows platform.

Many Microsoft documents and recent Windows announcements refer to WinUI 3 as the framework for modern native Windows desktop development. However, one of our primary concerns with WinUI 3 is its dependency on the Windows App Runtime.

Our application is distributed using our own installer (not MSIX), and we generally try to avoid introducing additional runtime prerequisites for our customers. Since WinUI 3 requires the Windows App Runtime (either framework-dependent or self-contained), we wanted to understand Microsoft's long-term recommendation.

Is WinUI 3 the recommended native UI framework for developing new C++ Windows desktop applications going forward? If so, should new native desktop applications invest in WinUI 3 despite the Windows App Runtime dependency?

Thank you.

Windows development | Windows App SDK
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Answer accepted by question author
Nancy Vo (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 8,160 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
2026-07-10T08:45:44.46+00:00

Hello @Harshithraj1871 ,

Thanks for your question.

WinUI 3 is the official and recommended native UI framework for building new Windows desktop applications in C++ moving forward. It is where Microsoft is focusing its modern desktop UI investments.

Regarding your concern about the Windows App Runtime dependency, you do not have to force your customers to install any extra prerequisites. You can solve this by using Self-contained deployment.

  • By choosing the self-contained option in your project, Visual Studio will package all the required Windows App Runtime files directly into your app's folder.
  • You can wrap that entire folder inside your own custom installer. When a customer installs your app, it will run immediately without them needing to download anything extra from Microsoft.

You can refer to WinUI 3 and Windows App SDK deployment guide for self-contained apps.

I hope this addresses your question. If this response was helpful, please consider following the guidance to provide feedback. Thank you.

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