Windows Storage Management Provider API

A Windows Storage Management Provider (SMP) provides an interface for management applications to interact with storage configurations, including disks, partitions, volumes, and storage spaces. As a bridge between management applications and the underlying storage subsystems, it enables the creation, modification, and monitoring of storage resources through a standardized set of Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) classes.

Storage subsystem manufacturers can support Windows-based storage management for their products by implementing an SMP.

Developer audience

The Windows Storage Management API is designed for WMI developers who use C/C++, the Microsoft Visual Basic application, or a scripting language that has an engine on Windows and handles Microsoft ActiveX objects. Familiarity with COM programming is helpful but not required. For more information about WMI, see Windows Management Instrumentation.

Run-time requirements

The Windows Storage Management API is included starting in Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012.

The Windows Storage Management API supersedes the Virtual Disk Service (VDS) API beginning with the Windows 8 and Windows Server 2012 operating systems.