Driver Development Documentation
Welcome to the Windows kernel driver development documentation hub. This guide provides everything you need to develop, test, and publish reliable kernel‑mode drivers for Windows.
Introduction
Kernel‑mode drivers run with the highest privilege in the Windows operating system. They interact directly with hardware or provide core system services. This documentation covers the fundamental concepts, development tools, and best practices required to build high‑quality drivers.
Learning Path
- Set up your environment – Install Visual Studio, Windows Driver Kit (WDK), and configure a test machine.
- Understand driver models – Choose between WDM, KMDF, or UMDF based on your scenario.
- Write a simple driver – Follow the “Your First Driver” tutorial to create a basic driver that creates a device and handles IOCTLs.
- Debug and test – Use WinDbg, Driver Verifier, and the WDK testing framework.
- Package and sign – Prepare the driver package for distribution and obtain a code signing certificate.