Windows 8.1 Preview: Download kits, bits, and tools
Get started developing, assessing, and certifying hardware and drivers with Windows 8.1 Preview. Download the Windows 8.1 Preview now. Learn what’s new for hardware developers in Windows 8.1 Preview.
Tools to build, test, and deploy drivers
Visual Studio 2013 Preview for Windows
Begin by downloading either Visual Studio Professional 2013 Preview or Visual Studio Ultimate 2013 Preview. Both editions provide an integrated development environment for building efficient, high-quality drivers for Windows 8.1 Preview.
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WDK for Windows 8.1 Preview
Next download the Windows Driver Kit (WDK) 8.1, which has tools to build, test, debug, and deploy drivers. Once you have the WDK, we recommend that you install the WDK 8.1 Test Pack. This package provides tests for device fundamentals; graphics; imaging; mobile broadband; and CDMA, GSM, WLAN sensors, and other utilities.
Important: An edition of Visual Studio 2013 Preview for Windows must be installed before installing the WDK 8.1 for Windows 8.1 Preview. Install Visual Studio Professional 2013 Preview or Visual Studio Ultimate 2013 Preview.
Standalone Debugging Tools
If you just need the Debugging Tools, not an entire kit (WDK 8.1 or Visual Studio 2013), you can install the Debugging Tools as a standalone component from the Windows 8.1 SDK Preview. In the installation wizard, select Debugging Tools for Windows, and deselect all other components.
Windows Remote Debugging Client
With Windows Remote Debugging (WRD) client, developers from Microsoft and third-party companies can collaborate remotely via the internet to debug kernel-mode failures using the Kernel Debugger (KD).
Samples for Windows 8.1 Preview
Download driver samples for Windows 8.1 Preview that build with either the Professional or Ultimate editions of Visual Studio 2013 Preview for Windows.
Windows Symbol Packages
Symbol files make it easier to debug your code. If you want all symbols for Windows 8.1 Preview, then download the symbol packages.
Assessment and certification
ADK for Windows 8.1 Preview
The Windows Assessment Development Kit (ADK) for Windows 8.1 Preview includes new assessments for connected standby devices, glitch-free local video playback, and Windows Store app and Internet Explorer performance. We’ve added new options in DISM that you can use to compress and reduce the size of Windows images.
HCK for Windows 8.1 Preview
The Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) includes tools, guidelines, and support information to help you get your hardware certified. Tests are now categorized into different phases of product development, allowing you to discover certification issues throughout the product development cycle.
HCK supplemental test content for Windows 8.1 Preview
Get more downloads for the Windows HCK, including filters, supplemental test content, and QFE updates.
Tools for Windows Store device apps
SDK for Windows 8.1 Preview
Get the headers, libraries, and tools you need to create Windows Store device apps.
Windows Store app samples
Download Windows Store app samples for Windows 8.1.
Windows 8.1 Preview Product Guide for Developers
Learn what you need to build compelling Windows apps for your customers and what you need to get started growing your expertise and your business.
Windows 8.1 Preview Feature Guide for Developers
Discover new APIs and features to help you create new Windows user experiences and ways you can streamline how you develop, test, and submit your apps.
