---
name: Prefer proven undocumented APIs over complex official ones
description: User prefers DwmGetDxSharedSurface (OBS/AHK proven) over WGC for window capture — practical stability over theoretical API guarantees
type: feedback
originSessionId: 585cc404-5490-4b67-ac52-c238a35f1fd1
---
Prefer battle-tested undocumented APIs (like DwmGetDxSharedSurface used by OBS and AHK) over complex official APIs (like Windows.Graphics.Capture) when the official API has significant drawbacks (yellow border, complexity).

**Why:** The yellow capture border from WGC defeats the purpose of a diagnostic screenshot tool. DwmGetDxSharedSurface has been stable across Windows versions in practice despite being undocumented. Practical stability matters more than theoretical API guarantees.

**How to apply:** When researching native Windows APIs, check what tools like OBS, AHK, ShareX actually use in production. Don't dismiss undocumented APIs solely on principle — weigh real-world track record against official-but-flawed alternatives.