[ok123456]

Just use MFC 4.2 imho.

[pjmlp]

As noted in some of my comments, the way C++/WinRT have messed up the development with total disrespect for paying customers is incredible.

To come back to your point, the aging MFC has better Visual Studio tooling than C++/WinRT will ever have, specially now after being deprecated.

I would have fired the whole team responsible for C++/WinRT.

[sitzkrieg]

honestly using plain win32api or mfc is the most stable bet on the planet

[RcouF1uZ4gsC]

Thanks to Wine, it is probably the most stable way to make a Linux GUI program as well.

[rbanffy]

COBOL, CICS and 3270 interfaces. That's where the action isn't, which is great if you want APIs that remain stable for decades.