MFC
MFC: A Windows-only C++ framework with Win32 and COM wrappers and established desktop features. Ranked #23 of 61 in Desktop App Development Frameworks by our editors (7.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for windows C++ teams building Win32-style applications.
At a glance
- Editor score7.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forWindows C++ teams building Win32-style applications
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- UI stackNative
- Facts checked23 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Wraps Win32 and COM APIs with object-oriented classes
- Includes document/view architecture, serialization, and printing
- Visual Studio wizard generates starter projects
Where it doesn't
- Targets Windows desktop applications only
- Microsoft says it is no longer adding features
- Documentation is no longer being updated
Our verdict on MFC
MFC gives C++ developers a framework for building native Windows desktop applications. Its object-oriented classes wrap much of the Win32 and COM APIs and cover windows, menus, dialog boxes, and controls. The framework also supports document/view application architecture, serialization to and from persistent storage, printing, and print preview. It is a fit for teams maintaining or creating Windows-focused applications that want these framework facilities within a Visual Studio development workflow, rather than a cross-platform desktop toolkit.
The framework’s scope is deliberately Windows-specific: its listed target is Windows, and its deployment focus is desktop. Visual Studio’s MFC Application Wizard can generate starter projects, while MFC itself is an optional component of the C++ desktop development workload. This makes Visual Studio the relevant ecosystem for teams considering it. The listed capabilities are centered on native application structure and common interface elements; teams looking for mobile targets or a broader cross-platform UI stack should consider an alternative.
MFC is free, and Microsoft says the library remains supported. That support comes with an important lifecycle qualification: Microsoft is no longer adding features or updating the documentation. Teams choosing MFC should therefore weigh its established Windows-focused wrappers and document/view, serialization, and printing support against the absence of new feature development and documentation updates. It makes the most sense for Windows C++ teams whose requirements align with its existing capabilities, especially when working in Visual Studio; it is a weaker choice for projects that need active feature expansion, current documentation updates, or targets beyond Windows desktop.
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MFC pricing
MFC fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported desktop OS | Windows |
| UI stack | Native |
| Primary language | C++ |
| Open source | No |
| Mobile targets | No |
| App packaging | Both |
| Commercial support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | learn.microsoft.com |
| Facts checked | 23 Oct 2026 |
Alternatives to MFC
- FlutterAn open-source Dart framework for building cross-platform apps from shared UI code.9.3
- ElectronAn open-source framework for building desktop apps from a shared JavaScript codebase.9.1
- .NET MAUI.NET MAUI shares C# and XAML development across native mobile and desktop apps.9.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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