This section describes how the Microsoft Windows checked build (also known as the debug build) of the NT-based operating systems differs from the free build (also known as the retail build) of this operating system. The section describes how the unique features of the checked build can assist in developing and debugging drivers on x86 platforms. The section also lists several methods for installing and using the checked build in different driver development and debugging environments.

This section includes:

This section does not cover Itanium-based systems, nor does it cover Windows 98/Me.