What is it, in one sentence?
A native Windows canvas for teaching with a pen: ink, code, and a live application on the same board.
Does it replace Microsoft Whiteboard?
It replaces the job of standing at a projector and explaining something. It does not replace a meeting whiteboard, cloud sync, or real-time collaboration. See Compare.
Can it open my Microsoft Whiteboard boards?
Yes. In the Microsoft Whiteboard app, export each board with Settings → Export → Zip (HTML+JSON), then open the ZIP with File → Open. Export from Microsoft Whiteboard shows the steps and what comes across.
Why did you create it?
Because, why not?
Windows 11 or Windows 10?
Built for Windows 11. It runs on Windows 10 version 2004 or later, 64-bit. That is the same floor as Windows Graphics Capture, which LiveView uses.
Mermaid diagrams also need the Microsoft Edge WebView2 Runtime, which Windows 11 includes and most Windows 10 PCs already have. If a diagram says it is missing, install it from Microsoft and restart Whiteboard.
Can I install it with winget?
Yes. winget install SQLBI.Whiteboard installs the released version, and winget upgrade SQLBI.Whiteboard updates it. Add --scope machine for every user of the PC, or --scope user for your account alone, without elevation.
Is a pen required?
No, though it is what the application is built for. Mouse drawing makes the left button use the selected tool, and Finger drawing makes one finger do the same; Preferences control when each turns on. The shortcut list is grouped by pen, mouse, touch, and keys.
Mac, iPad, or a browser?
No. It is a Windows application. Boards are files you can keep next to the material they document; they do not open in a browser.
Does it need an account, a tenant, or the internet?
No account, no tenant. Boards and preferences stay on this machine. A copy that did not come from the Microsoft Store may check this site once a day for a newer released build; a bar under the tabs offers the download site if one does. Turn that off in Help → Preferences → Updates. A Microsoft Store install never makes that request. Details are on Privacy.
Where do boards live? What is a .wboard?
A board is a file on disk. Save writes a versioned ZIP with an embedded preview.png. Explorer shows that picture as the thumbnail in the released install. The VS Code extension shows the same picture.
Can Released and Dev both be installed?
Yes. The pre-release installs as SQLBI Whiteboard (Dev), keeps its own settings, and does not register .wboard or .wimport, so it can sit beside a released copy without stealing the file association.
What is LiveView, and why Reconnect after open?
LiveView captures a window or a display onto the board so you can draw over it. Windows cannot save the capture permission. After you reload a board the last frame appears immediately; Reconnect restores the live feed. The guide has the session story.
Can it format DAX, SQL, and KQL?
Yes. Paste or drop a .dax, .sql, or .kql file, choose the language, press F6. Help → Preferences has Snippet format order for clipboard paste and unrecognized dropped files. Formatting is local. SQL Server mode targets SQL Server 2025 T-SQL and leaves an invalid script unchanged; KQL reads Kusto through Microsoft's own parser and does the same. Eleven more languages are highlighted but not formatted; F6 on one links to its issue on GitHub, and the language with the most thumbs-up gets the next formatter.
How do I bring a workshop in?
A .wimport file is Markdown that builds image and text containers. Drop it on an open board, or use Import. The import format is the contract. Save always writes a .wboard.
How do I report a problem?
Open an issue on GitHub. How a change reaches the product is on Contribute.