The GoToTags .NET NFC SDK for Windows has been officially discontinued by GoToTags because it proved too complicated for most developers to manage and maintain.
To replace the SDK, GoToTags shifted its architecture toward a modern and much simpler alternative: they integrated a local HTTP JSON API directly into the GoToTags Desktop App for Windows. Instead of writing native C# PC/SC or smart-card stack drivers, you now run their background desktop app and communicate with it using standard HTTP web requests. How the Modern Alternative Works
Instead of importing .dll SDK files into your Visual Studio project, your Windows application interfaces with the hardware via standard web protocols:
The Middleware Layer: You download and install the GoToTags Desktop App for Windows. This app natively handles connection tracking, hardware drivers, and multi-reader setups.
The HTTP JSON API: The desktop app exposes a local web server. Your code interacts with it by sending GET and POST payloads.
No More Driver Conflicts: This removes the need to deal with low-level Windows PC/SC smart card layers or driver discrepancies across different readers. Architectural Migration Overview
If you are modifying legacy architecture or planning a new Windows application, compare the old SDK approach against the new API paradigm: Legacy .NET NFC SDK Modern HTTP JSON API Alternative Status Discontinued / Unsupported Actively Maintained Integration Method Native DLL References HTTP REST Requests (HttpClient) Hardware Management Manual device initialization Handled automatically by the Desktop App Driver Dependency Dependent on Windows PC/SC stack Abstracted away via the app layer Supported Data Raw commands & NDEF JSON-mapped NDEF records Getting Started with the Modern API Setup
If you want to read or encode NFC tags from your custom Windows program, use this setup workflow:
Install the App Installer: Download the MSIX app package from the GoToTags Windows Download Page.
Set Up Drivers: Install the official drivers for your specific hardware (such as ACR122U or identical USB reader models).
Turn on the Web Interface: Launch the app and enable the HTTP JSON API in the configuration settings.
Send Code Requests: Use the native .NET class HttpClient in your C# code to listen to tag scan events or push JSON data to write to a tag.
If you would like to proceed with writing your software integration, please let me know:
What specific operations you need to perform (e.g., automatically logging serial numbers or writing web URLs to tags).
What programming language or framework you plan to use for your application (e.g., C# .NET Core, WPF, or a web app).
I can provide a clean code snippet demonstrating how to send requests to the API. NFC C# library for windows [closed] – Stack Overflow
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