Graphics System Overview

Microsoft Windows NT(TM) based operating systems provide a robust graphics architecture in which third-party graphics hardware companies can easily integrate their video displays and printing devices. These sections provide design guidelines for writing effective graphics drivers:

  • Graphics DDI

    This section describes the Windows Graphics Device Interface (GDI) and Graphics device driver interface (DDI). Design and implementation details that are common to both display and printing drivers are discussed.

  • Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) Design Guide

    Windows 2000 Display Driver Model (XDDM) Design Guide

    These sections describe the video display environment in Windows NT−based operating systems and provide design and implementation details for display, video miniport, and monitor driver writers. Note that drivers that comply with the Windows 2000 Display Driver Model cannot be installed on Windows 8 and later computers.

  • Print Devices Design Guide

    This section describes the drivers and print spooler that make up the printing environment in Windows NT−based operating systems. Sections within this part of the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) specify how to provide customized driver and spooler components, so that new printer hardware and network configurations can be supported.