Dev Home was introduced during Build 2023 as a centralized hub for developers, offering tools for machine setup, project tracking, and system monitoring. However, Microsoft has since decided to discontinue the standalone app, shifting some of its core features into the advanced settings section of Windows 11.
Dev Home, released less than 2 years ago, is already being killed off – it will be going away in May 2025, and some of its features will be moved to “new places”.https://t.co/aa2zefJsCVhttps://t.co/go8aAWGDsw pic.twitter.com/Jr0asSVUNz
— phantomofearth 🌳 (@phantomofearth) January 27, 2025
Windows 11 incorporates the functions of Dev Home
The removal of Dev Home appears to align with Microsoft’s broader strategy of embedding development tools directly into Windows, rather than offering them as separate apps. This shift aims to simplify environment setup by reducing the need for extra downloads—something that could benefit developers looking for a more streamlined experience.
According to Microsoft, select features from Dev Home will be integrated into the advanced settings of Windows 11. However, not all capabilities are making the move. Some tools, such as performance monitoring widgets, may find a new home in utilities like PowerToys or be left to third-party alternatives.
This transition has raised concerns within the developer community, particularly among users who relied on Dev Home’s widgets to keep tabs on CPU, GPU, memory, and network usage. Without a clear replacement, some fear a gap in efficient system monitoring, at least for now. Still, there’s speculation that Microsoft could eventually bake similar tools directly into Windows 11.
The end of Dev Home marks a clear shift in Microsoft’s approach, favoring deeper integration over standalone solutions. While parts of the toolkit will live on, developers will need to adjust to new workflows for managing their setups. With Build 2025 just around the corner, Microsoft is expected to shed more light on what comes next for development on Windows.
