Windows hardware developer documentation

Learn how to design, develop, and deploy hardware and device drivers for Windows PCs and other devices.

Download

Get the Windows Driver Kit

Overview

Device and driver installation

How-To Guide

Driver security checklist

Overview

Join the Insider Program

Get the tools

• Visual Studio
• Debugging Tools for Windows
• Windows driver samples
• Installing preview versions of the WDK

Debugging

• Getting started with WinDbg
• Setting up KDNET debugging
• Download Debugging Tools for Windows - WinDbg
• Debug Windows drivers
• Debugger commands

API reference

• Windows driver API reference
• WDF API reference
• Core kernel API reference

Build devices

• Get started with Windows 11
• Design Windows 11 devices
• Customize
• Manufacture
• Test for performance and compatibility
• Test with the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK)

Driver platforms and frameworks

Kernel/Windows Driver Model

Windows Driver Frameworks

Tasks

Write a Hello World Windows Driver

Learn how to write a very small Windows Driver using KMDF.

Get started with Windows drivers

Write a single driver package that runs across multiple device types.

Add boot entries

A boot entry is a set of options that define a load configuration for an operating system or bootable program.

Edit boot options

Learn how to customize boot options.

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