History

WinUI (codename: Jupiter) was introduced as part of the Windows Runtime (WinRT) programming model, which was designed to support applications for the Universal Windows Platform (UWP) and aimed to provide a modern UI framework for Windows 8 and later.

With the release of Windows 10, WinUI became an integral part of UWP, allowing developers to build apps that run across a variety of Windows devices. This included enhancements to XAML that enabled more dynamic and responsive user interfaces.

WinUI 2

This version served as an extension library for UWP XAML, providing additional controls and styling aligned with the Windows 11 design language. It was distributed via NuGet and closely tied to the UWP framework.

WinUI 3

Released as part of the Windows App SDK (codename: Project Reunion), WinUI 3 separated the UI framework from the operating system, enabling faster updates and the introduction of new features without being tied to Windows updates. This version supports both desktop and UWP apps, allowing developers to gradually migrate existing applications to the new framework.

Fluent Design

WinUI embraces the Fluent Design System, providing a consistent and modern user experience across apps. It supports multiple programming languages including C++, C#, and JavaScript, making it versatile for developers.

Community and Support

WinUI libraries are actively maintained, with a dedicated GitHub repository for feature requests and bug reports. This community-driven approach helps ensure WinUI evolves in response to developers' needs.

Conclusion

WinUI represents a significant evolution in Windows app development, moving from a tightly coupled framework to a more flexible and modern UI library. Its history reflects Microsoft's ongoing efforts to streamline and improve the development experience for Windows applications, adapting to the changing software landscape.

Fig. 3.1. WinUI App Development Documentation

For more information: WinUI App Development Documentation.