Download Windows 8.1 SDK [Direct Link]

by Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
Radu Tyrsina
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Radu Tyrsina has been a Windows fan ever since he got his first PC, a Pentium III (a monster at that time). For most of the kids of... read more
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Download Windows 8.1 SDK
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If you’re interested in creating apps for Windows 8.1, then you are looking to download the Windows software development kit (SDK) for Windows 8.1. Read below to find the download links and hints to the ISO files, as well.
Creating apps for Windows 8.1 is impossible if you don’t have the Software Development Kit for that, so use the link at the end of the article, if you are the TL;DR type, to download the Windows 8.1 SDK. Made available at the middle of previous month, it contains headers, libraries, and tools to make apps for Windows 8.1, but also Windows RT and previous Windows versions, of course.

It also comes with the Windows App Certification Kit 3.1 that developers need to test their apps for the Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1 certification programs. Unfortunately, you will have to make the ISO files yourself, if you want to, but with the SDK being so lightweight, it doesn’t make that much sense to do it.

Here’s an important change regarding the Windows 8.1 SDK that Microsoft has shared:

The Windows SDK no longer ships with a complete command-line build environment. You must install a compiler and build environment separately. If you require a complete development environment that includes compilers and a build environment, you can download Visual Studio 2013, which includes the appropriate components of the Windows SDK.

The updated Windows SDK can be used to build apps for the following Windows operating systems: Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Also, you are advised to install the latest updates and patches from Microsoft Update before installing the Windows 8.1 SDK.

Windows 8.1 SDK: what’s new?

Well, now it’s time to list some of the mail tech-features that are really important for those who need Windows 8.1 SDK:

  • Exclusion of command line interface
  • Headers, Libraries, Metadatafiles and other tool provided for new Store apps builders
  • .NET Framework 4.5 needed (previous versions not working)
  • Supporting DirectX games and applications
  • Windows Dev Center updated with samples and desktop applications

Windows 8.1 SDK requirements

Here’s what you need as OS in order to develop applications:

  • Windows 8
  • Windows Server 2012
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Server 2008 R2
  • Windows Vista
  • Windows Server 2008
  • x86, x64 ARm architecture

You can also read our previous article where we detailed how to manage your Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 apps. Also, if you’re interested in establishing a Bluetooth connectivity between an Arduino device with a Windows 8.1 app, we’ve covered that, as well.

Download Windows SDK for Windows 8.1

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