64-bit Driver Guidelines

Reviewed: July 29, 2008

Windows Driver Model and tools are the same for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows, so it's easy to get started in developing drivers for 64-bit systems by following these basic guidelines:

1. Make sure that your devices address 64 bits of physical memory.

2. Use 64-bit safe programming practices and then use the 64-bit compiler to find problem areas related to driver-specific issues for IOCTLs, DMA, and legacy driver interfaces.

Tip: The Kernel Mode Driver Framework (KMDF) manages 64-bit issues for you. Whether porting or developing new kernel-mode drivers, consider KMDF as your best solution.

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