Windows Driver Kit

The Windows Driver Kit or in short, WDK is a development toolset that can be used in order to create drivers compatible with the Windows operating system.

It bundles libraries and components, compilers, code samples and various other tools designed to assist programmers in creating fully-functional drivers for Windows 7, Vista, XP, Server 2003, 2008 and 2008 R2. Update packs are available to ensure compatibility with Windows 8, 8.1, Server 2012 and Server 2012 R2.

Previously known as the Windows Driver Development Kit (or DDK), this collection of tools and components is provided by Microsoft to help developers author drivers for their devices, in order to facilitate the connection between the external device and a computer that runs on any of the aforementioned Windows editions.

The provided samples, alongside the rich documentation are designed to ease the development process for all users.

The package includes the Windows Driver Foundation, the Installable File System Kit and the Driver Test Manager, all working together in order to provide assistance throughout the development process, from programming to testing, debugging and deployment.

Windows Driver Kit seamlessly integrates with Microsoft Visual Studio, enabling you to build new drivers while working in a familiar environment.

The Windows Driver Kit is aimed at driver developers, providing them with all the tools and documentation they need in order to generate functional drivers for the Windows platform.