Build Windows hardware
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Wherever you are in your device or driver product lifecycle, with Microsoft Windows you can create amazing experiences for your customers, enjoy the benefits of a global partner community, and grow both your skills and your business. Get started using these resources, and gain access to more by becoming a Microsoft partner.
Get started
Design hardware
With support for the latest hardware, Windows 8.1 lets you design and develop a wide range of devices—from small tablets to high-powered desktop PCs—that deliver the latest advances in displays, battery life, and performance.
Develop drivers
Build your first driver and gain a basic understanding of driver technology. You’ll learn about different types of drivers and how to select the best model for the type you’re building. Hands-on exercises help you build a driver in the Microsoft Visual Studio development environment.
Get the Windows Driver Kit (WDK)
Debugging
Learn about debugging environments, tools, and techniques to help you select the right approach for your systems and code type. With Windows 8 and Windows 8.1, the driver development environment and the Windows debuggers are integrated into Visual Studio, which also includes debuggers.
Device apps
Windows 8.1 makes it easy for manufacturers to tailor unique, value-added experiences by creating Windows Store device apps. Windows 8.1 can automatically install a device app from the Windows Store when users connect a device for the first time. And a Windows Store device app has the ability to use the full range of features on a PC or device.
Certify
The Windows Hardware Certification Program gives you the tools, guidance, and support to help you create products that are reliable and compatible with Windows. Knowing these requirements at the design stage in your product lifecycle helps you innovate with confidence.
Get started with Certification
Deploy
Download the Windows ADK to get the tools you need to customize and deploy Windows installations. Install the Assessment Toolkit to evaluate and improve your system's performance and reliability.