Microsoft has introduced the AI Dev Gallery, a new open-source tool designed to streamline the integration of artificial intelligence features into Windows applications built with .NET technologies.

Highlighted in an announcement on April 22, the AI Dev Gallery is currently available as a preview version in the Microsoft Store. It offers developers a hands-on environment where they can explore, test, and incorporate a range of AI functions directly into their apps — all while running locally, without relying on cloud-based services.

Initially teased in late 2024, the tool has now matured into a robust development sandbox filled with ready-to-use AI demos. These include interactive examples such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), natural language chatbots, object recognition, voice processing (text-to-speech and vice versa), and intelligent document summarization. Each sample is intended to demonstrate practical use cases that developers can adapt and expand upon in their own applications.

One standout feature is the ability to inspect and export the complete C# code behind any demo. With just a single click, developers can generate a Visual Studio project for further customization. The tool also simplifies working with machine learning models by offering a built-in model browser, making it easy to locate and download compatible AI models from sources like Hugging Face or GitHub. Once selected, the gallery automatically ensures that the models are suitable for use in .NET applications.

Microsoft’s goal with the AI Dev Gallery is to lower the barrier to entry for AI development on Windows by offering an accessible, open-source resource packed with practical examples and productivity-focused features.