Create a C++ Windows Form in Visual Studio 2012

The following is a simple step-by-step guide to creating a C++ Windows Form in Visual Studio 2012.

1. Add a new Project to the Solution

   File > New > Project... > Visual C++ > CLR > CLR Empty Project

2. Select the new Project in the Solution Explorer

3. Add a Windows Form to the Project

   Project > Add New Item... > Visual C++ > UI > Windows Form

4. Change the Project Subsystem

   Project > Properties > Configuration Properties > Linker > System > SubSystem

   Change this value to Windows (/SUBSYSTEM:WINDOWS)

5. Change the Project Entry Point

   Project > Properties > Configuration Properties > Linker > Advanced > Entry Point

   Change this value to main. Apply these changes and close the Properties window.

6. Open the .cpp file associated with the Windows Form

   Enter the following code:

    #include "MainWindow.h"
   
    using namespace System;
    using namespace System::Windows::Forms;
   
    [STAThread]
    void main()
    {
        Application::EnableVisualStyles();
        Application::SetCompatibleTextRenderingDefault(false);
        Program::MainWindow mainWindow;
        Application::Run(%mainWindow);
    }
   

7. Run the Application

   You now have a very simple Windows Form in C++, ready to be built up with your other C++ projects.