Microsoft Enhances Windows App SDK for Faster Load Times and Smaller Apps

Bridging the Gap

The Windows App SDK serves as a vital link between Win32 and UWP, offering developers a suite of tools that grant access to modern APIs without confining them to a specific framework. Despite its advantages, applications utilizing this SDK have faced criticism for their prolonged launch times and sluggish UI responsiveness.

Microsoft has recognized the performance challenges affecting several of its own applications, including Photos and Phone Link, which are notorious for their lengthy splash screens and slow response times. These issues become particularly apparent when launching apps for the first time following a reboot. As a temporary solution, Microsoft suggests running the app in the background to enhance launch speeds.

Innovative Solutions

A pivotal remedy to these performance concerns is the introduction of Native AOT support, which facilitates quicker startup times and diminishes memory usage. Native AOT compiles applications ahead of time, yielding improved performance compared to conventional compilation methods. Nonetheless, it is essential for developers to integrate this feature themselves during the app-building or updating process.

In preliminary tests, Microsoft has reported remarkable enhancements: applications now load as much as 50% faster, and app packages have been reduced to a size that is eight times smaller. Additionally, apps operating in self-contained mode have experienced size reductions of up to 2x, further amplifying the efficiency of applications based on the Windows App SDK.

Streamlined SDK Management

Microsoft has also revised the management of the Edge WebView2 SDK. Previously, this SDK was hard-coded into the Windows App SDK, which contributed to larger app sizes. The new approach allows it to be accessed via NuGet as required, thereby helping to minimize overall app package sizes, although this adjustment does not directly enhance app performance.

While these optimizations may not yield immediate results in terms of faster apps, they establish a foundation for noticeable improvements as developers embrace the updated SDK. Applications constructed with Windows App SDK 1.6 featuring Native AOT are expected to demonstrate enhanced performance, reduced memory consumption, and smaller file sizes over time. Nevertheless, concerns regarding slow app launch times and lagging animations will persist until developers implement the necessary updates.

Update: 23 Jun 2026