Getting Started with 'Windows Drivers'

When you write a driver to run on the Windows operating system, you have three choices. You can write a Desktop driver, which only runs on Windows Desktop editions. Or, if your driver passes infverif /u and ApiValidator, you can write a Universal Driver. If your driver passes infverif /w, which adds Driver Package Isolation, you can write a Windows Driver, which runs on both Desktop and non-Desktop variants of Windows. For info on configuring your build settings, see Target Platforms.

The following additional requirements apply to Windows Drivers:

• Compliant with DCH Design Principles.
• Follow the principles of Driver Package Isolation.
• Follow API Layering Requirements.

While it's not required for a driver running only on Windows Desktop to meet the additional requirements for a Universal Driver or Windows Driver, doing so enhances driver serviceability and reliability, and also prepares the driver for possible future certification on non-Desktop variants of Windows.