Architecture of the Windows Driver Foundation

Updated: May 10, 2006

File name: wdf-arch.doc
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This paper provides information about the Windows Driver Foundation (WDF), the next-generation driver model for the Windows family of operating systems. It describes the overall architecture of the model and explains how WDF can help to reduce driver development time, contribute to greater system stability, and improve driver diagnosability and serviceability. This material is intended for technical managers, architects, and driver designers who are unfamiliar with WDF.

This information applies for the following operating systems:
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2003
Windows XP
Windows 2000

Included in this white paper:

• Design Goals for WDF

• Device and Driver Support in WDF

• WDF Driver Model

• WDF Object Model

• Plug and Play and Power Management Support

• I/O Model

• Driver Frameworks

• Tools for Development and Testing

• Serviceability and Versioning

• Next Steps