Control messages are predefined window messages that direct a control to carry out a specified task. Applications send control messages to a control by using the SendMessage function. The control carries out the specified task and returns a value that indicates the result.
The following messages apply to all controls:
| Message | Description | |
| WM_NEXTDLGCTL | Sent to a dialog box's window function, to alter the control focus. | |
| WM_GETFONT | Retrieves the current font used by a control for drawing text. | |
| WM_SETFONT | Changes the font used by a control for drawing text. |
Sections 5.7.1 through 5.7.5 briefly describe the control messages for each control class.