Visual styles are supported on Windows XP and later, and they only affect the appearance of the standard Windows controls and the Microsoft Win32 common controls. Additionally, Visual Styles provide a mechanism for all Windows-based applications to standardize an application's appearance. For example, a Visual Style can define the overall appearance of controls, and enable software developers to configure the visual interface of those controls to coordinate with an application's appearance. Visual Styles are specifications for the appearance of controls. You should use Windows controls if you want to create a traditional UI for an unmanaged Windows-based application that runs on a wide range of Windows versions.įor more information, see Windows Controls. Applications need to detect the versions and use only the available features. However, because the run-time components that support the controls have evolved over time, some controls and features introduced in later versions are not supported in earlier versions. Windows controls are supported by all versions of Windows. Many of the elements that make up the UI of a traditional Windows-based application are Windows controls, including items such as menus, scroll bars, buttons, list boxes, tree views, and so on. Windows controls are user interface elements that are used in conjunction with another window (typically a client window or dialog box) to enable the user to interact with an application. Some technologies have additional prerequisites such as knowledge of graphics programming issues or familiarity with the basics of Component Object Model (COM) programming. These technologies are intended for experienced C/C++ developers who are familiar with WindowsAPI programming concepts, and who are using the Microsoft Windows Software Development Kit (SDK). This section describes the Microsoft technologies for developing UIs for unmanaged Windows applications. User Interface Technologies for Unmanaged Applications User Interface Technologies for Managed Applications.User Interface Technologies for Unmanaged Applications.This topic describes the following technologies: It provides the information required to help you determine whether to use a particular technology, and identifies where you can find more information about it. This topic provides a brief survey of the Microsoft technologies for developing UIs for Windows-based applications.

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