If you downloaded the Windows 11 2023 Update (23H2), you may have noticed a new app: Dev Home (Preview). As the parenthesis indicates, this app is still in the preview stage, and you may expect a lot of evolution. We have explored all parts of it. So, in this guide, we will answer the question: what is the Dev Home app in Windows 11?
What is the Dev Home App?
The Windows 11 Dev Home app is a new tool that came after the 2023 Update (23H2) to the OS. It helps streamline workflow development for developers on Windows 11 devices.
The tool offers centralized control for project management, tool installation, and system performance monitoring. It also has several customizable widgets that may help track project progress, GitHub problems, and related information.
What are the Core features of Dev Home?
Windows 11 Dev Home offers the following features:
1. Streamlined setup
It offers a rapid development environment setup, allowing you to set up dependencies and tools needed for a project. You are also able to customize and configure system settings for optimized performance.
2. Customizable widgets
The tool gives you a vast option of customizable widgets for tracking project progress, GitHub issues, and more. You can create a dashboard by adding or removing widgets.
3. System performance monitoring
This feature lets you monitor your systems’ performance and get GPU, CPU, memory, and network resources insights. These are often needed in fixing performance bottlenecks.
4. Open-source
Last but not least is the open-source feature, just like PowerToy and a few other Microsoft utilities. This means that developers may add new features and functionalities.
How to Use the Dev Home App on Windows 11
1. Downloading the Dev Home App
To download the app, you simply need to update your OS to the latest Windows 11 2023 23H2 Update. Alternatively, you may download it from the Microsoft Store as shown below:
Step 1: Launch your preferred browser.
Step 2: Navigate to the Microsoft Store Download page and click Install.
Step 3: Click Open Microsoft Store, and if the app does not already exist on your computer, click Install.
2. Dev Home Dashboard
The Dashboard lets you install widgets to track and monitor network and hardware components, bugs, and pull requests from GitHub.
You may add or delete widgets from the page by selecting the widget, hitting the Pin button, and clicking the Add widget button in the interface’s top-right corner.
The Dev Home app has five system widgets: GPU, Memory, SSH keychain, Network, and CPU.
3. Machine Configuration on Home Dev
The majority of your effort will be spent configuring the device to code a new project in the Machine configuration part.
Five configuration choices are available on this page: End-to-end setup, Configuration file, Clone repositories, Install applications, and Add a Dev Drive.
End-to-end Setup
To begin coding a project, select the End-to-end setup option. This option offers a wizard to configure your device unattended. Using the Add Repository button, you may clone repositories using a user-friendly procedure.
You can choose a repository URL from your personal GitHub account or enter one manually in the process, then click Next.
On the next screen, you may select which programs and tools to install on your PC. These include Visual Studio Community, Android Studio, 7-Zip, Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, Notepad++, and more.
Tick the Terms and Conditions checkbox and click Set up.
Configuration File
Using the Configuration file option, you may supply a Windows Package Manager configuration file containing all the necessary tools and tasks to configure the development environment. You can make a custom configuration file, or it can be used from another source.
To initiate the setup process, choose the Configuration file option, choose the YAML file, and adhere to the on-screen instructions.
Clone Repositories
Using the Clone Repositories option, you can clone repositories to your computer using a URL or by linking your GitHub account and selecting a repository from the list.
Install Applications on Windows 11 Dev Home App
You may select and rapidly install the tools and software needed to set up the environment for coding your next project using the Install applications option.
You can use the search box to locate the tools you need for your development, or you can click the Add all option in the top-right corner of the screen after selecting your apps using the add (+) button.
The installation process may then be completed by clicking the Next button, accepting the conditions, and clicking the Set up button.
FAQ
1. Why is Dev Home on my computer?
The Dev Home program is a new Windows 11 2023 Update feature.
2. Can I remove Dev Home?
Yes, you may uninstall the application if you do not need it.
Closing Thoughts
The Windows Dev Home app will benefit developers working on Windows 11 devices. It will streamline their workflow and improve their productivity.