14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just released the April 2017 Windows developer evaluation virtual machines, providing app makers with everything they need to start coding immediately.
These evaluation virtual machines come in Hyper-V, Parallels, VirtualBox and VMWare versions and can be used until July 7, when you are required to provide a license key or to download a newer pack.
As far as the content of these packs is concerned, Microsoft is offering Windows 10 Enterprise Creators Update (version 1703, the RTM), Visual Studio 2017 with the Universal Windows Platform (15063 SDK) and Azure workflows enabled, Windows UWP samples, and the Windows Subsystem for Linux.
These virtual machines have been created specifically for developers who want to code for Windows 10, as Microsoft is trying to bring more developers to its platforms and port apps, be they created for iOS, Android, or for the Windows desktop to the Windows Store.
Microsoft is also providing users with several porting solutions, including Project Centennial and Project Islandwood for Win32 software and iOS apps, respectively, so developers can give a try to all tools without the need for paying for a license first.
You can download the new virtual machines from Microsoft’s Windows Dev Center, but remember that virtual machine software is also required, so you need to set up Hyper-V, Parallels, VirtualBox and VMWare before anything else.