Getting Started with 'Windows Drivers'

When you write a driver to run on the Windows operating system, you have two basic choices. You can write a Windows Desktop driver, which only runs on Windows Desktop editions. Or, you can meet a few extra requirements and write a Windows Driver, which runs on both Desktop and non-Desktop variants of Windows. The Windows Driver classification extends and replaces the older Universal Driver classification.

The following additional requirements apply to Windows Drivers:

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

The following table summarizes the distinctions between the two classifications:

Feature	Windows Drivers	Windows Desktop Drivers
Runs on Windows Desktop	Yes	Yes
Runs on non-Desktop variants of Windows	Yes	No
WDK & HLK are primary vehicles for developing and certifying drivers	Yes	Yes
Adhere to stricter reliability and serviceability requirements (e.g. driver package isolation)	Yes	No

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