You can develop Windows 8.1 Store apps using Visual Studio 2013 Express and the Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) 8.1 on your Windows 7 laptop. However, there are some considerations you should keep in mind: 1. Visual Studio 2013 Express: Visual Studio 2013 Express Edition can be used for developing Windows 8.1 Store apps. You may need to ensure that it is updated to the latest version to support Windows 8.1 development. 2. Windows Software Development Kit (SDK) 8.1: You can use the Windows SDK 8.1 for developing applications targeted for Windows 8.1. This SDK provides tools, compilers, headers, libraries, and other resources necessary for developing Windows applications. 3. Compatibility with Windows 7: While Visual Studio 2013 and Windows SDK 8.1 are compatible with Windows 7, developing specifically for Windows 8.1 may require occasional testing on a Windows 8.1 environment to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance. 4. Testing: It's recommended to periodically test your Windows 8.1 Store app on a Windows 8.1 system to ensure that it functions correctly and takes advantage of specific Windows 8.1 features. 5. Deployment: When you are ready to deploy your app to users, you will need access to a Windows 8.1 system to create the package for the Windows Store. In summary, you can start developing Windows 8.1 Store apps using Visual Studio 2013 Express and the Windows SDK 8.1 on your Windows 7 laptop. However, for thorough testing and final deployment, having access to a Windows 8.1 system would be beneficial. If you encounter any specific issues during development, feel free to ask for further assistance!