diff --git a/Makefile.in b/Makefile.in
index dc1879b412..e603897022 100644
--- a/Makefile.in
+++ b/Makefile.in
@@ -3129,6 +3129,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_GUI_HDR =  \
 	wx/msw/toplevel.h \
 	wx/msw/treectrl.h \
 	wx/msw/window.h \
+	wx/msw/rt/utils.h \
 	wx/msw/checklst.h \
 	wx/msw/fdrepdlg.h \
 	wx/msw/fontdlg.h \
@@ -4912,6 +4913,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS =  \
 	monodll_uxtheme.o \
 	monodll_msw_window.o \
 	monodll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	monodll_utilsrt.o \
 	monodll_helpchm.o \
 	monodll_helpwin.o \
 	monodll_automtn.o \
@@ -5614,6 +5616,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_1 =  \
 	monodll_uxtheme.o \
 	monodll_msw_window.o \
 	monodll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	monodll_utilsrt.o \
 	monodll_helpchm.o \
 	monodll_helpwin.o \
 	monodll_automtn.o \
@@ -6912,6 +6915,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_2 =  \
 	monolib_uxtheme.o \
 	monolib_msw_window.o \
 	monolib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	monolib_utilsrt.o \
 	monolib_helpchm.o \
 	monolib_helpwin.o \
 	monolib_automtn.o \
@@ -7614,6 +7618,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_3 =  \
 	monolib_uxtheme.o \
 	monolib_msw_window.o \
 	monolib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	monolib_utilsrt.o \
 	monolib_helpchm.o \
 	monolib_helpwin.o \
 	monolib_automtn.o \
@@ -9055,6 +9060,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_4 =  \
 	coredll_uxtheme.o \
 	coredll_msw_window.o \
 	coredll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	coredll_utilsrt.o \
 	coredll_helpchm.o \
 	coredll_helpwin.o \
 	coredll_automtn.o \
@@ -9757,6 +9763,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_5 =  \
 	coredll_uxtheme.o \
 	coredll_msw_window.o \
 	coredll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	coredll_utilsrt.o \
 	coredll_helpchm.o \
 	coredll_helpwin.o \
 	coredll_automtn.o \
@@ -10520,6 +10527,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_6 =  \
 	corelib_uxtheme.o \
 	corelib_msw_window.o \
 	corelib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	corelib_utilsrt.o \
 	corelib_helpchm.o \
 	corelib_helpwin.o \
 	corelib_automtn.o \
@@ -11222,6 +11230,7 @@ COND_TOOLKIT_MSW___LOWLEVEL_SRC_OBJECTS_7 =  \
 	corelib_uxtheme.o \
 	corelib_msw_window.o \
 	corelib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	corelib_utilsrt.o \
 	corelib_helpchm.o \
 	corelib_helpwin.o \
 	corelib_automtn.o \
@@ -17982,6 +17991,9 @@ monodll_sound_sdl.o: $(srcdir)/src/unix/sound_sdl.cpp $(MONODLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monodll_graphicsd2d.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp $(MONODLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monodll_utilsrt.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp $(MONODLL_ODEP)
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monodll_helpchm.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp $(MONODLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 
@@ -22791,6 +22803,9 @@ monolib_sound_sdl.o: $(srcdir)/src/unix/sound_sdl.cpp $(MONOLIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monolib_graphicsd2d.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp $(MONOLIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monolib_utilsrt.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp $(MONOLIB_ODEP)
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@monolib_helpchm.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp $(MONOLIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 
@@ -27660,6 +27675,9 @@ coredll_win32.o: $(srcdir)/src/univ/themes/win32.cpp $(COREDLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@coredll_graphicsd2d.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp $(COREDLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@coredll_utilsrt.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp $(COREDLL_ODEP)
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@coredll_helpchm.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp $(COREDLL_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 
@@ -31044,6 +31062,9 @@ corelib_win32.o: $(srcdir)/src/univ/themes/win32.cpp $(CORELIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@corelib_graphicsd2d.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp $(CORELIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@corelib_utilsrt.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp $(CORELIB_ODEP)
+@COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@corelib_helpchm.o: $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp $(CORELIB_ODEP)
 @COND_TOOLKIT_MSW_USE_GUI_1@	$(CXXC) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(srcdir)/src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 
diff --git a/build/bakefiles/files.bkl b/build/bakefiles/files.bkl
index 073c850a02..60c45487eb 100644
--- a/build/bakefiles/files.bkl
+++ b/build/bakefiles/files.bkl
@@ -1895,6 +1895,7 @@ IMPORTANT: please read docs/tech/tn0016.txt before modifying this file!
     src/msw/uxtheme.cpp
     src/msw/window.cpp
     src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
+    src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
 </set>
 <set var="MSW_LOWLEVEL_HDR" hints="files">
     wx/msw/nonownedwnd.h
@@ -2075,6 +2076,7 @@ IMPORTANT: please read docs/tech/tn0016.txt before modifying this file!
     wx/msw/toplevel.h
     wx/msw/treectrl.h
     wx/msw/window.h
+    wx/msw/rt/utils.h
 </set>
 <set var="MSW_RSC" hints="files">
     <!-- Resources must be installed together with headers: -->
diff --git a/build/files b/build/files
index 7a741064e2..8de7b237de 100644
--- a/build/files
+++ b/build/files
@@ -1550,6 +1550,7 @@ MSW_LOWLEVEL_SRC =
     src/msw/printwin.cpp
     src/msw/region.cpp
     src/msw/renderer.cpp
+    src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
     src/msw/settings.cpp
     src/msw/textmeasure.cpp
     src/msw/tooltip.cpp
@@ -1716,6 +1717,7 @@ MSW_HDR =
     wx/msw/region.h
     wx/msw/rcdefs.h
     wx/msw/richmsgdlg.h
+    wx/msw/rt/utils.h
     wx/msw/scrolbar.h
     wx/msw/slider.h
     wx/msw/spinbutt.h
diff --git a/build/msw/makefile.bcc b/build/msw/makefile.bcc
index 70f891216e..b991f9722e 100644
--- a/build/msw/makefile.bcc
+++ b/build/msw/makefile.bcc
@@ -1824,6 +1824,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.obj \
@@ -2110,6 +2111,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.obj \
@@ -2648,6 +2650,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.obj \
@@ -2934,6 +2937,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.obj \
@@ -3345,6 +3349,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.obj \
@@ -3631,6 +3636,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.obj \
@@ -3913,6 +3919,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.obj \
@@ -4199,6 +4206,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.obj \
@@ -7764,6 +7772,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -10279,6 +10292,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -12728,6 +12746,11 @@ $(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -14197,6 +14220,11 @@ $(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -q -c -P -o$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
diff --git a/build/msw/makefile.gcc b/build/msw/makefile.gcc
index 969609d25e..406c7352fe 100644
--- a/build/msw/makefile.gcc
+++ b/build/msw/makefile.gcc
@@ -1843,6 +1843,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.o \
@@ -2131,6 +2132,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.o \
@@ -2673,6 +2675,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.o \
@@ -2961,6 +2964,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.o \
@@ -3386,6 +3390,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.o \
@@ -3674,6 +3679,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.o \
@@ -3962,6 +3968,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.o \
@@ -4250,6 +4257,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.o \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.o \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.o \
@@ -7939,6 +7947,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.o: ../../src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
 endif
 
+ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
+$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.o: ../../src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
+endif
+
 ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
 $(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.o: ../../src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
@@ -10454,6 +10467,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.o: ../../src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
 endif
 
+ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
+$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.o: ../../src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
+endif
+
 ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
 $(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.o: ../../src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
@@ -12903,6 +12921,11 @@ $(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.o: ../../src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
 endif
 
+ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
+$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.o: ../../src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
+endif
+
 ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
 $(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.o: ../../src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
@@ -14372,6 +14395,11 @@ $(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.o: ../../src/msw/graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
 endif
 
+ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
+$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.o: ../../src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
+endif
+
 ifeq ($(USE_GUI),1)
 $(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.o: ../../src/msw/helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) -c -o $@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) $(CPPDEPS) $<
diff --git a/build/msw/makefile.vc b/build/msw/makefile.vc
index 422eea6e50..a57adf3fd8 100644
--- a/build/msw/makefile.vc
+++ b/build/msw/makefile.vc
@@ -2124,6 +2124,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.obj \
@@ -2410,6 +2411,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monodll_automtn.obj \
@@ -2954,6 +2956,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.obj \
@@ -3240,6 +3243,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_1_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\monolib_automtn.obj \
@@ -3717,6 +3721,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.obj \
@@ -4003,6 +4008,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_2_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\coredll_automtn.obj \
@@ -4291,6 +4297,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.obj \
@@ -4577,6 +4584,7 @@ ____CORE_SRC_FILENAMES_3_OBJECTS =  \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_uxtheme.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_window.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj \
+	$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_helpwin.obj \
 	$(OBJS)\corelib_automtn.obj \
@@ -8456,6 +8464,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monodll_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\monodll_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\monodll_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONODLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -10971,6 +10984,11 @@ $(OBJS)\monolib_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\monolib_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\monolib_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(MONOLIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -13420,6 +13438,11 @@ $(OBJS)\coredll_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\coredll_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\coredll_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(COREDLL_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
@@ -14889,6 +14912,11 @@ $(OBJS)\corelib_graphicsd2d.obj: ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\graphicsd2d.cpp
 !endif
 
+!if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
+$(OBJS)\corelib_utilsrt.obj: ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp
+!endif
+
 !if "$(USE_GUI)" == "1"
 $(OBJS)\corelib_helpchm.obj: ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
 	$(CXX) /c /nologo /TP /Fo$@ $(CORELIB_CXXFLAGS) ..\..\src\msw\helpchm.cpp
diff --git a/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj b/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj
index e2a32a8e80..425d1e1845 100644
--- a/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj
+++ b/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
+<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
 <Project DefaultTargets="Build" ToolsVersion="4.0" xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/developer/msbuild/2003">
   <ItemGroup Label="ProjectConfigurations">
     <ProjectConfiguration Include="Debug|Win32">
@@ -1006,6 +1006,7 @@
     <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\generic\vscroll.cpp" />
     <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\xrc\xmlreshandler.cpp" />
     <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\generic\collheaderctrlg.cpp" />
+    <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp" />
   </ItemGroup>
   <ItemGroup>
     <ResourceCompile Include="..\..\src\msw\version.rc">
@@ -1377,6 +1378,7 @@
     <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\msw\ole\safearray.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\collheaderctrl.h" />
     <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\generic\collheaderctrl.h" />
+    <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\msw\rt\utils.h" />
   </ItemGroup>
   <Import Project="$(VCTargetsPath)\Microsoft.Cpp.targets" />
   <ImportGroup Label="ExtensionTargets">
diff --git a/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj.filters b/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj.filters
index 6b958042db..39e16aeb8f 100644
--- a/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj.filters
+++ b/build/msw/wx_core.vcxproj.filters
@@ -813,6 +813,9 @@
     <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\msw\richmsgdlg.cpp">
       <Filter>MSW Sources</Filter>
     </ClCompile>
+    <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp">
+      <Filter>MSW Sources</Filter>
+    </ClCompile>
     <ClCompile Include="..\..\src\msw\scrolbar.cpp">
       <Filter>MSW Sources</Filter>
     </ClCompile>
@@ -1606,6 +1609,9 @@
     <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\msw\richmsgdlg.h">
       <Filter>MSW Headers</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
+    <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\msw\rt\utils.h">
+      <Filter>MSW Headers</Filter>
+    </ClInclude>
     <ClInclude Include="..\..\include\wx\msw\scrolbar.h">
       <Filter>MSW Headers</Filter>
     </ClInclude>
diff --git a/build/msw/wx_vc7_core.vcproj b/build/msw/wx_vc7_core.vcproj
index 9d26e38ba0..526a04a75a 100644
--- a/build/msw/wx_vc7_core.vcproj
+++ b/build/msw/wx_vc7_core.vcproj
@@ -1051,6 +1051,9 @@
 			<File
 				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\window.cpp">
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp">
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Sources"
@@ -1634,6 +1637,9 @@
 			<File
 				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\window.h">
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\rt\utils.h">
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Headers"
diff --git a/build/msw/wx_vc8_core.vcproj b/build/msw/wx_vc8_core.vcproj
index 6a6ee15189..d0ad9ba3b1 100644
--- a/build/msw/wx_vc8_core.vcproj
+++ b/build/msw/wx_vc8_core.vcproj
@@ -1814,6 +1814,10 @@
 				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\window.cpp"
 				>
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp"
+				>
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Sources"
@@ -2681,6 +2685,10 @@
 				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\window.h"
 				>
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\rt\utils.h"
+				>
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Headers"
diff --git a/build/msw/wx_vc9_core.vcproj b/build/msw/wx_vc9_core.vcproj
index eb1fa98da3..36206bf2dc 100644
--- a/build/msw/wx_vc9_core.vcproj
+++ b/build/msw/wx_vc9_core.vcproj
@@ -1810,6 +1810,10 @@
 				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\window.cpp"
 				>
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\src\msw\rt\utilsrt.cpp"
+				>
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Sources"
@@ -2677,6 +2681,10 @@
 				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\window.h"
 				>
 			</File>
+			<File
+				RelativePath="..\..\include\wx\msw\rt\utils.h"
+				>
+			</File>
 		</Filter>
 		<Filter
 			Name="Generic Headers"
diff --git a/docs/doxygen/mainpages/const_wxusedef.h b/docs/doxygen/mainpages/const_wxusedef.h
index a01a8c549c..b81cd786d6 100644
--- a/docs/doxygen/mainpages/const_wxusedef.h
+++ b/docs/doxygen/mainpages/const_wxusedef.h
@@ -346,6 +346,7 @@ compilers. See also wxUSE_NO_MANIFEST.}
 @itemdef{wxUSE_VC_CRTDBG, See wx/msw/msvcrt.h file.}
 @itemdef{wxUSE_UXTHEME, Enable support for XP themes.}
 @itemdef{wxUSE_WIN_METAFILES_ALWAYS, Use wxMetaFile even when wxUSE_ENH_METAFILE=1.}
+@itemdef{wxUSE_WINRT, Enable WinRT support.}
 @itemdef{wxUSE_WXDIB, Use wxDIB class.}
 @endDefList
 
diff --git a/include/wx/gtk/setup0.h b/include/wx/gtk/setup0.h
index d189fb3e32..c734961a4d 100644
--- a/include/wx/gtk/setup0.h
+++ b/include/wx/gtk/setup0.h
@@ -1553,6 +1553,19 @@
 // Recommended setting: 1, required by wxMediaCtrl
 #define wxUSE_ACTIVEX 1
 
+// Enable WinRT support
+//
+// Default is 1 for compilers which support it, i.e. VS2012+ currently. If you
+// use an earlier MSVC version or another compiler and installed the necessary
+// SDK components manually, you need to change this setting.
+//
+// Recommended setting: 1
+#if defined(_MSC_VER) && _MSC_VER >= 1700
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 1
+#else
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#endif
+
 // wxDC caching implementation
 #define wxUSE_DC_CACHEING 1
 
diff --git a/include/wx/msw/chkconf.h b/include/wx/msw/chkconf.h
index f3d0b0f8ea..656ef98017 100644
--- a/include/wx/msw/chkconf.h
+++ b/include/wx/msw/chkconf.h
@@ -22,6 +22,14 @@
 #    endif
 #endif /* !defined(wxUSE_ACTIVEX) */
 
+#ifndef wxUSE_WINRT
+#    ifdef wxABORT_ON_CONFIG_ERROR
+#        error "wxUSE_WINRT must be defined."
+#    else
+#        define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#    endif
+#endif /* !defined(wxUSE_ACTIVEX) */
+
 #ifndef wxUSE_CRASHREPORT
 #   ifdef wxABORT_ON_CONFIG_ERROR
 #       error "wxUSE_CRASHREPORT must be defined."
diff --git a/include/wx/msw/rt/utils.h b/include/wx/msw/rt/utils.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..b315531090
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/wx/msw/rt/utils.h
@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+// Name:        wx/msw/rt/utils.h
+// Purpose:     Windows Runtime Objects helper functions and objects
+// Author:      Tobias Taschner
+// Created:     2015-09-05
+// Copyright:   (c) 2015 wxWidgets development team
+// Licence:     wxWindows licence
+///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+
+#ifndef   _WX_MSW_RTUTILS_H
+#define   _WX_MSW_RTUTILS_H
+
+#include "wx/defs.h"
+
+#if wxUSE_WINRT
+
+#include "wx/string.h"
+#include "wx/msw/wrapwin.h"
+
+#include <winstring.h>
+
+namespace wxWinRT
+{
+
+bool WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE IsAvailable();
+
+bool WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE Initialize();
+
+void WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE Uninitialize();
+
+bool WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE GetActivationFactory(const wxString& activatableClassId, REFIID iid, void ** factory);
+
+// RAII class initializing WinRT in its ctor and undoing it in its dtor.
+class WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE Initializer
+{
+public:
+    Initializer()
+        : m_ok(Initialize())
+    {
+    }
+
+    bool IsOk() const
+    {
+        return m_ok;
+    }
+
+    ~Initializer()
+    {
+        if (m_ok)
+            Uninitialize();
+    }
+
+private:
+    const bool m_ok;
+
+    wxDECLARE_NO_COPY_CLASS(Initializer);
+};
+
+// Simple class to convert wxString to HSTRING
+// This just wraps a reference to the wxString object,
+// which needs a life time greater than the TempStringRef object
+class WXDLLIMPEXP_CORE TempStringRef
+{
+public:
+    HSTRING Get() const { return m_hstring; }
+
+    operator HSTRING() const { return m_hstring; };
+
+    static const TempStringRef Make(const wxString &str);
+
+private:
+    TempStringRef(const wxString &str);
+
+    HSTRING             m_hstring;
+    HSTRING_HEADER      m_header;
+
+    wxDECLARE_NO_COPY_CLASS(TempStringRef);
+};
+
+} // namespace wxWinRT
+
+#endif // wxUSE_WINRT
+
+#endif // _WX_MSW_RTUTILS_H
diff --git a/include/wx/msw/setup0.h b/include/wx/msw/setup0.h
index f0c15456d5..d005bc3580 100644
--- a/include/wx/msw/setup0.h
+++ b/include/wx/msw/setup0.h
@@ -1553,6 +1553,19 @@
 // Recommended setting: 1, required by wxMediaCtrl
 #define wxUSE_ACTIVEX 1
 
+// Enable WinRT support
+//
+// Default is 1 for compilers which support it, i.e. VS2012+ currently. If you
+// use an earlier MSVC version or another compiler and installed the necessary
+// SDK components manually, you need to change this setting.
+//
+// Recommended setting: 1
+#if defined(_MSC_VER) && _MSC_VER >= 1700
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 1
+#else
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#endif
+
 // wxDC caching implementation
 #define wxUSE_DC_CACHEING 1
 
diff --git a/include/wx/msw/setup_inc.h b/include/wx/msw/setup_inc.h
index 20f2b40945..eb01cbd540 100644
--- a/include/wx/msw/setup_inc.h
+++ b/include/wx/msw/setup_inc.h
@@ -65,6 +65,19 @@
 // Recommended setting: 1, required by wxMediaCtrl
 #define wxUSE_ACTIVEX 1
 
+// Enable WinRT support
+//
+// Default is 1 for compilers which support it, i.e. VS2012+ currently. If you
+// use an earlier MSVC version or another compiler and installed the necessary
+// SDK components manually, you need to change this setting.
+//
+// Recommended setting: 1
+#if defined(_MSC_VER) && _MSC_VER >= 1700
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 1
+#else
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#endif
+
 // wxDC caching implementation
 #define wxUSE_DC_CACHEING 1
 
diff --git a/setup.h.in b/setup.h.in
index 439e42afa4..ee9d346573 100644
--- a/setup.h.in
+++ b/setup.h.in
@@ -653,6 +653,12 @@
 
 #define wxUSE_ACTIVEX 0
 
+#if defined(_MSC_VER) && _MSC_VER >= 1700
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#else
+    #define wxUSE_WINRT 0
+#endif
+
 #define wxUSE_DC_CACHEING 0
 
 #define wxUSE_WXDIB 0
diff --git a/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp b/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..ecc12be979
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,259 @@
+///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+// Name:        src/msw/rt/utilsrt.cpp
+// Purpose:     Windows Runtime Objects helper functions and objects
+// Author:      Tobias Taschner
+// Created:     2015-09-05
+// Copyright:   (c) 2015 wxWidgets development team
+// Licence:     wxWindows licence
+///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+
+// ============================================================================
+// Declarations
+// ============================================================================
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// headers
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+// For compilers that support precompilation, includes "wx.h".
+#include "wx/wxprec.h"
+
+#if defined(__BORLANDC__)
+#pragma hdrstop
+#endif
+
+#include "wx/msw/rt/utils.h"
+
+#if wxUSE_WINRT
+
+#include <roapi.h>
+
+#include "wx/dynlib.h"
+#include "wx/utils.h"
+#include "wx/module.h"
+
+// Core function typedefs
+typedef HRESULT (__stdcall *PFNWXROINITIALIZE)(RO_INIT_TYPE initType);
+typedef void (__stdcall *PFNWXROUNINITIALIZE)();
+typedef HRESULT (__stdcall *PFNWXROGETACTIVATIONFACTORY)(
+    HSTRING activatableClassId, REFIID iid, void ** factory);
+
+// String function typedefs
+typedef HRESULT (__stdcall *PFNWXWINDOWSCREATESTRINGREFERENCE)(
+    PCWSTR sourceString,
+    UINT32 length,
+    HSTRING_HEADER * hstringHeader,
+    HSTRING * string
+);
+typedef HRESULT (__stdcall *PFNWXWINDOWSDELETESTRING)(HSTRING string);
+
+namespace wxWinRT
+{
+
+//
+// RTCore
+//
+
+class RTCore
+{
+public:
+    static RTCore& Get()
+    {
+        if ( ms_isAvailable == -1 )
+        {
+            if ( !ms_rtcore.Initialize() )
+            {
+                ms_isAvailable = 0;
+            }
+            else
+                ms_isAvailable = 1;
+        }
+
+        return ms_rtcore;
+    }
+
+    static bool IsAvailable()
+    {
+        if (ms_isAvailable == -1)
+            Get();
+
+        return (ms_isAvailable == 1);
+    }
+
+    PFNWXROINITIALIZE RoInitialize;
+    PFNWXROUNINITIALIZE RoUninitialize;
+    PFNWXROGETACTIVATIONFACTORY RoGetActivationFactory;
+    PFNWXWINDOWSCREATESTRINGREFERENCE WindowsCreateStringReference;
+    PFNWXWINDOWSDELETESTRING WindowsDeleteString;
+
+    bool Initialize()
+    {
+#define RESOLVE_RT_FUNCTION(dll, type, funcname)                        \
+    funcname = (type)dll.GetSymbol(wxT(#funcname));                     \
+    if ( !funcname )                                                    \
+        return false
+
+#define RESOLVE_RTCORE_FUNCTION(type, funcname) \
+    RESOLVE_RT_FUNCTION(m_dllCore, type, funcname)
+
+#define RESOLVE_RTSTRING_FUNCTION(type, funcname) \
+    RESOLVE_RT_FUNCTION(m_dllString, type, funcname)
+
+        // WinRT is only available in Windows 8 or newer
+        if (!wxCheckOsVersion(6, 2))
+            return false;
+
+        // Initialize core functions
+        if (!m_dllCore.Load("api-ms-win-core-winrt-l1-1-0.dll"))
+            return false;
+
+        RESOLVE_RTCORE_FUNCTION(PFNWXROINITIALIZE, RoInitialize);
+        RESOLVE_RTCORE_FUNCTION(PFNWXROUNINITIALIZE, RoUninitialize);
+        RESOLVE_RTCORE_FUNCTION(PFNWXROGETACTIVATIONFACTORY, RoGetActivationFactory);
+
+        // Initialize string functions
+        if (!m_dllString.Load("api-ms-win-core-winrt-string-l1-1-0.dll"))
+            return false;
+
+        RESOLVE_RTSTRING_FUNCTION(PFNWXWINDOWSCREATESTRINGREFERENCE, WindowsCreateStringReference);
+        RESOLVE_RTSTRING_FUNCTION(PFNWXWINDOWSDELETESTRING, WindowsDeleteString);
+
+        return true;
+
+#undef RESOLVE_RT_FUNCTION
+#undef RESOLVE_RTCORE_FUNCTION
+#undef RESOLVE_RTSTRING_FUNCTION
+    }
+
+    void UnloadModules()
+    {
+        m_dllCore.Unload();
+        m_dllString.Unload();
+    }
+
+    static void Uninitalize()
+    {
+        if (ms_isAvailable == 1)
+        {
+            Get().UnloadModules();
+            ms_isAvailable = -1;
+        }
+    }
+
+private:
+    RTCore()
+    {
+
+    }
+
+    wxDynamicLibrary m_dllCore;
+    wxDynamicLibrary m_dllString;
+
+    static RTCore ms_rtcore;
+    static int ms_isAvailable;
+
+    wxDECLARE_NO_COPY_CLASS(RTCore);
+};
+
+RTCore RTCore::ms_rtcore;
+int RTCore::ms_isAvailable = -1;
+
+//
+// wxWinRT::TempStringRef
+//
+
+const TempStringRef TempStringRef::Make(const wxString &str)
+{
+    return TempStringRef(str);
+}
+
+TempStringRef::TempStringRef(const wxString &str)
+{
+    if ( !RTCore::IsAvailable() )
+        wxLogDebug("Can not create string reference without WinRT");
+
+    // This creates a fast-pass string which must not be deleted using WindowsDeleteString
+    HRESULT hr = RTCore::Get().WindowsCreateStringReference(
+        str.wc_str(), str.length(),
+        &m_header, &m_hstring);
+    if ( FAILED(hr) )
+        wxLogDebug("Could not create string reference %.8x", hr);
+}
+
+//
+// wrapper functions
+//
+
+bool IsAvailable()
+{
+    return RTCore::IsAvailable();
+}
+
+bool Initialize()
+{
+    if ( !RTCore::IsAvailable() )
+        return false;
+
+    HRESULT hr = RTCore::Get().RoInitialize(RO_INIT_SINGLETHREADED);
+    if ( FAILED(hr) )
+    {
+        wxLogDebug("RoInitialize failed %.8x", hr);
+        return false;
+    }
+    else
+        return true;
+}
+
+void Uninitialize()
+{
+    if ( !RTCore::IsAvailable() )
+        return;
+
+    RTCore::Get().RoUninitialize();
+}
+
+bool GetActivationFactory(const wxString& activatableClassId, REFIID iid, void ** factory)
+{
+    if ( !RTCore::IsAvailable() )
+        return false;
+
+    HRESULT hr = RTCore::Get().RoGetActivationFactory(TempStringRef::Make(activatableClassId), iid, factory);
+    if ( FAILED(hr) )
+    {
+        wxLogDebug("RoGetActivationFactory failed %.8x", hr);
+        return false;
+    }
+    else
+        return true;
+}
+
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Module ensuring all global/singleton objects are destroyed on shutdown.
+// ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+class RTModule : public wxModule
+{
+public:
+    RTModule()
+    {
+    }
+
+    virtual bool OnInit() wxOVERRIDE
+    {
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    virtual void OnExit() wxOVERRIDE
+    {
+        RTCore::Uninitalize();
+    }
+
+private:
+    wxDECLARE_DYNAMIC_CLASS(RTModule);
+};
+
+wxIMPLEMENT_DYNAMIC_CLASS(RTModule, wxModule);
+
+} // namespace wxWinRT
+
+#endif // wxUSE_WINRT