ReleaseDC

The ReleaseDC function releases a device context (DC), freeing it for use by other applications. The effect of the ReleaseDC function depends on the type of device context. It frees only common and window device contexts. It has no effect on class or private device contexts.

int ReleaseDC(
  HWND hWnd,  // handle to window
  HDC hDC     // handle to device context
);
 

Parameters

hWnd

Handle to the window whose device context is to be released.

hDC

Handle to the device context to be released.

Return Values

The return value specifies whether the device context is released. If the device context is released, the return value is 1.

If the device context is not released, the return value is zero.

Remarks

The application must call the ReleaseDC function for each call to the GetWindowDC function and for each call to the GetDC function that retrieves a common device context.

An application cannot use the ReleaseDC function to release a device context that was created by calling the CreateDC function; instead, it must use the DeleteDC function.

QuickInfo

  Windows NT: Requires version 3.1 or later.
  Windows: Requires Windows 95 or later.
  Windows CE: Requires version 1.0 or later.
  Header: Declared in winuser.h.
  Import Library: Use user32.lib.

See Also

Device Contexts Overview, Device Context Functions, CreateDC, DeleteDC, GetDC, GetWindowDC