How to install a windows font using C#

Question

How can I install a font using C#?

I tried copying the fonts using File.Copy() but I am not allowed due to access rights limitations (UnauthorizedException).

What should I do?

Solution 1

You'll need a different approach installing fonts.

• Use an installer (create a setup project) to install the fonts
• Another (more easy) approach using a native method.

Declare the dll import:

    [DllImport("gdi32.dll", EntryPoint="AddFontResourceW", SetLastError=true)]
    public static extern int AddFontResource(
        [In][MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)]
        string lpFileName);

In your code:

    // Try install the font.
    result = AddFontResource(@"C:\MY_FONT_LOCATION\MY_NEW_FONT.TTF");
    error = Marshal.GetLastWin32Error();

The source:

http://www.brutaldev.com/post/2009/03/26/Installing-and-removing-fonts-using-C

I put it together in a unit test, I hope that helps:

[TestFixture]
public class Tests
{
    // Declaring a dll import is nothing more than copy/pasting the next method declaration in your code. 
    // You can call the method from your own code, that way you can call native 
    // methods, in this case, install a font into windows.
    [DllImport("gdi32.dll", EntryPoint = "AddFontResourceW", SetLastError = true)]
    public static extern int AddFontResource([In][MarshalAs(UnmanagedType.LPWStr)]
                                     string lpFileName);

    // This is a unit test sample, which just executes the native method and shows
    // you how to handle the result and get a potential error.
    [Test]
    public void InstallFont()
    {
        // Try install the font.
        var result = AddFontResource(@"C:\MY_FONT_LOCATION\MY_NEW_FONT.TTF");
        var error = Marshal.GetLastWin32Error();
        if (error != 0)
        {
            Console.WriteLine(new Win32Exception(error).Message);
        }
    }
}

That should help you on your way :)

Solution 2

   internal static void InstalarFuente(string NombreFnt,string RutaFnt)
    {
        string CMD = string.Format("copy /Y \"{0}\" \"%WINDIR%\\Fonts\" ", RutaFnt);
        EjecutarCMD(CMD);

        System.IO.FileInfo FInfo = new System.IO.FileInfo(RutaFnt);
        CMD = string.Format("reg add \"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SOFTWARE\\Microsoft\\Windows NT\\CurrentVersion\\Fonts\" /v \"{0}\" /t REG_SZ /d {1} /f", NombreFnt, FInfo.Name);
        EjecutarCMD(CMD);
    }

    public static void EjecutarCMD(string Comando)
    {
        System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo Info = new System.Diagnostics.ProcessStartInfo("cmd.exe");
        Info.Arguments = string.Format("/c {0}", Comando);
        Info.WindowStyle = System.Diagnostics.ProcessWindowStyle.Hidden;
        System.Diagnostics.Process.Start(Info);
    }

Comments

[Shahin Rahbar]

Can you explain more about "Declare the dll import:" bcuz i'm new to c#

[bas]

@ShahinRahbar did you succeed yet? You didn't have to accept the answer upfront. Just upvote the answer if you are happy with it, accept the answer when your question is actually solved. Just let me know when you got it, if not, i'll try to help

[Shahin Rahbar]

i dont have rep for upvote... it compile correctly but font doesnt install

[Shahin Rahbar]

The system cannot find the file Specified

[bas]

Maybe this is the time to create a new question where you share the appropriate amount of information so that the SO community can help you. Copy/paste the code you have right now and share the error + stacktrace in a new question

[JxDarkAngel]

Logoff to take into account the Font

[Lee]

Can anyone help with the error: "Invalid menu handle"

[bas]

@user2816736 Some context might help, and if you have a specific question, ask a new question iso comment on solved question

[S.H.]

Bravo! Bravissimo! By tests in this case.

[S.H.]

Excuse me, do you know about "more than user" rights for copy file into Windows dir?