---
page_type: sample
description: "This sample shows how to use a COM-based API to in a Windows application to display the Open dialog box."
languages:
- cpp
products:
- windows
- windows-api-win32
---

# Open Dialog Box sample

This sample shows how to use a COM-based API to in a Windows application to display the Open dialog box. The sample provides several variations that demonstrate different ways of using COM. For more information about the sample, see [this article](https://docs.microsoft.com/windows/win32/learnwin32/open-dialog-box-sample).

## Requirements

* Client: Windows 8.x or later
* Server: Windows Server 2016 or later
* Visual Studio 2019

## Build the sample

1. Start Visual Studio and select **File** \> **Open** \> **Project/Solution**.
2. Go to the directory named for the sample, and double-click the solution (.sln) file.
3. Press F7 or use **Build** /> **Build Solution** to build the sample.

## Run the sample

To debug the app and then run it, press F5 or use **Debug** \> **Start Debugging**. To run the app without debugging, press Ctrl+F5 or use **Debug** \> **Start Without Debugging**.