Microsoft Windows Guide Sets 5 Steps for Better Development Setup
Updated
Updated · InfoWorld · Jul 27
Microsoft Windows Guide Sets 5 Steps for Better Development Setup
3 articles · Updated · InfoWorld · Jul 27
Summary
Five setup moves anchor the guide: install WSL, create a Dev Drive, use WinGet, enable local PowerShell scripts, and add core development tools.
WSL leads the list because it gives Windows an integrated Linux command line with less overhead than a VM; Microsoft’s new WSL container feature is already in public preview.
Dev Drive is pitched as the preferred home for project files, using ReFS to speed copy-heavy workloads and reduce antivirus drag, though tools and some low-level disk utilities should stay on NTFS.
WinGet is presented as Windows’ practical package manager for searching and installing apps from the command line, while PowerShell’s remotesigned policy removes a common scripting roadblock.
For developers who want less manual setup, Microsoft also offers Windows Developer Config, a PowerShell-based starter kit with full workstation, WSL-focused, and language-specific options.