Should I choose WinUI or a cross-platform UI?

Choose WinUI if you want a native Windows look and deep platform features. Pick winit/tao with egui, iced or Slint for simpler distribution and cross-platform support.

Do I need the Windows App SDK for WinUI?

Yes, WinUI relies on the Windows App SDK and related runtimes. You can package them with MSIX or use framework-dependent installs.

How do I handle high DPI?

Enable per-monitor DPI awareness and use logical-to-physical scaling provided by your chosen toolkit (winit/egui/iced/Slint or WinUI settings).

What about code signing and SmartScreen?

Sign your binaries and installers (OV/EV certificates) and prefer MSIX for modern packaging to reduce prompts.

Windows GUI in Rust — WinUI, winit, egui, iced, Slint

Pick a UI path for Windows apps: native WinUI via windows-rs or cross‑platform stacks like winit/tao with egui, iced, or Slint. Understand trade-offs, packaging, and DPI.

Use Windows APIs Package & Sign

File: rustup-init.exe • Source: rust-lang.org • Last updated: —

Choosing your GUI path

WinUI (Windows App SDK)

Native Windows look, deep platform access, modern controls. Requires Windows App SDK runtime and MSIX packaging for best experience.

winit/tao + egui

Immediate‑mode UI, fast iteration, low boilerplate. Great for tools, editors, launchers with custom rendering.

iced

Declarative UI with a widget tree, good structure for multi‑screen apps. Cross‑platform with a native feel.

Slint

Declarative UI language, native rendering backends, efficient for desktop and embedded scenarios.

Packaging & distribution

WinUI: Prefer MSIX. Ship the Windows App SDK as framework‑dependent or include it in your package.
winit/egui/iced/Slint: Classic installers (MSI/NSIS/Inno) or portable zips work well. Sign your binaries.
Enable code signing to reduce SmartScreen friction. EV certs provide the fastest reputation building.

Need a release checklist? See Package & Sign.

DPI, accessibility, and performance

Set per‑monitor DPI awareness to avoid blurry UIs on 4K displays.
Verify keyboard navigation and labels for assistive tech users.
Profile first paints and event loops (especially for immediate‑mode UIs).

Next steps

Integrate native APIs: windows-rs in Practice.
Plan your installer and signing: Packaging guide.