Do I need admin rights to install rustup?

rustup can install per-user without admin rights. Some build tools (MSVC, SDK) may require elevation.

Which Windows architectures are supported?

x86_64 is most common. ARM64 is possible with the appropriate toolchain, but this guide focuses on x86_64-pc-windows-msvc.

How do I add GUI later?

You can adopt libraries like winit/tao with immediate-mode UIs (egui, iced) or use WinUI via windows-rs bindings. See the Windows GUI guide for options.

Rust for Windows Quickstart — Your First Native App

Install the MSVC toolchain, create a project, add Windows API bindings when needed, and ship a native executable.

Installation guide Windows APIs

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

Steps to your first native Windows app

1) Install the toolchain

Use the button above to get the official rustup-init.exe and choose the default MSVC host.

2) Open a fresh terminal

Launch x64 Native Tools Command Prompt or Developer PowerShell so PATH is up-to-date.

3) Create and run

Initialize a new project and run it to ensure compiler, linker and SDK are functional.

4) Add Windows APIs

Adopt windows-rs or other bindings when you need Win32/WinRT capabilities.

5) Iterate fast

Use incremental builds and dev tools (linters, formatters) to move quickly on Windows.

6) Prepare for release

Package and sign your executable to reduce SmartScreen prompts. See the Packaging guide.

Environment checklist

MSVC installed (Visual Studio Build Tools) and Windows 10/11 SDK present.
Fresh terminal session so PATH is current.
Working network access for crates and native dependencies.

If something fails to build, jump to Troubleshooting.

Next steps

Explore Windows APIs via windows-rs in Practice.
Pick a UI approach in Windows GUI in Rust.
Prepare installers with Package & Sign.