convert a console app to a windows app

Complementing Hans' answer: While under Properties, also remember to expand the C/C++ node and select Preprocessor. Then edit the Preprocessor Definitions - replace _CONSOLE with _WINDOWS.

Right-click the project icon in the Solution Explorer, then Properties > Linker > System > SubSystem, and set that to Windows. You'll also have to change your main() method to WinMain(). And you'd better create some windows or there won't be much to look at.