windows application having no dependency to install

Question

I want to implement windows desktop form application having no dependencies to install (e.g. framework, third-party etc).

In which technology I can achieve this?

Can i achieve this goal in C# Win-forms?

Answer 1

You can build an MFC app that requires no installation (just copying the files to the target computer) by statically linking and/or deploying the Visual C++ runtime redist side-by-side.

As Arnon has answered, you can build a .Net app that requires no installation if you target a version of .Net that is pre-installed on your target operating system. This blog entry lists the .Net versions included with each version of Windows.

Answer 2

what version of windows are you targeting your application to ? different versions of windows have different versions of .NET (see this link for details).

So basically, if you are looking for no installation you'd have to shoot for the lowest common denominator and/or ship multiple versions of your app. I understand that it isn't what you want but -If you do go with .NET it is usually better to ensure that the installer will install the right version of .NET if needed (see this link for example)