How do I create a C++ console program that does not show a screen?

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I need to create a C++ console program that executes without exhibiting a window of any kind. All processing should be done in the background without any screen drawing.

What I have tried:

I tried to hide the console window but it always flashes the console screen when the program is ran.

Posted 24-Jan-24 2:43am

Eduardo Quintana

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Shao Voon Wong 30-Jan-24 5:05am

Hi Eduardo, I have posted a tip to answer your question on converting console app not to show console here: https://www.codeproject.com/Tips/5376609/Cplusplus-Convert-Console-Project-to-Non-Console

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Dave Kreskowiak · Answer 1 · 2024-01-24T03:07:00

Solution 1

A better choice would be a Windows Service since they have no UI at all.

Trying to do this as a normal, user launchable app seems ... suspicious.

Posted 24-Jan-24 3:07am

Dave Kreskowiak

Maxim Kartavenkov · Answer 2 · 2024-01-24T05:17:00

You can create regular windows application not the console application, just do not create any dialogs and proceed like you do as you had the console application.
There will be just linker configuration change and the function WinMain instead of main.
You can look at the C++ samples of my article which has the similar implementation:
https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/5361060/Tracing-and-Logging-Technologies-on-Windows-Part-1

Regards,
Maxim

k5054 · Answer 3 · 2024-01-24T05:48:00

It's not clear what you're trying to achieve. If you want to create a service, then you should follow the advice in Solution 1. If you're trying to create a commandline utility, like copy for example, then what you're doing is probably what you want. I'm guessing that you're seeing the command window open when you run the program within the IDE. This is normal, as the IDE needs to create a terminal environment for the program to run in. Try running the program directly from a command window. It should do it's thing and return to the commandline prompt without showing a new console window.

steveb · Answer 4 · 2024-01-30T00:18:00

Solution 4

Use a WinMain without the window creation

Posted 30-Jan-24 0:18am

steveb

How do I create a C++ console program that does not show a screen?

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