Driver Lifecycle Fundamentals

64-bit Driver Guidelines

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.

Porting and Development for 64-bit Drivers
White PaperChecklist for 64-bit Microsoft Windows Drivers  
Microsoft.com64-bit Issues in the WDK
Microsoft.comPlatform SDK: 64-bit Windows Programming
Microsoft.comWriting WIA Drivers for Windows 64-bit Edition for Extended Processors

Driver Setup and 64-bit Drivers
White PaperDriver Installation for 32-bit and 64-bit Platforms  
White PaperINF Requirements for 64-bit Systems
White PaperPrint Driver Setup: 64-bit Drivers and Platforms
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)Printer Driver Setup and 64-bit Implications [690 KB]

64-bit Driver FAQs and Policies
White PaperKernel Patch Protection: Frequently Asked Questions
White PaperPatching Policy for x64-Based Systems
White PaperRegistry Reflection in Windows

Case Studies: 64-bit Drivers
White PaperBroadcom Readies Product Line for 64-bit Market with Rich Driver Development
White PaperEarly Decision on 64-bit Windows Helps LSI Logic Meet Market Demand
White PaperInterconnect Solutions Company Advances Its Business - and Customers' - with 64bit Windows
Windows Multimedia64-bit. Build it right. Keep it right. (Business Decision Makers) [7:18 min. streaming media presentation]
Windows Multimedia64-bit. Build it right. Keep it right. (Technical Decision Makers) [9:42 min. streaming media presentation]

AMD - Tips for AMD64 (WinHEC Sponsor)
This link leaves the Microsoft.com siteAMD Developer Resources
DownloadableConfiguring Microsoft Visual Studio Projects to Support the AMD64 Architecture [299 KB]
DownloadablePorting and Optimizing Applications on 64-bit Windows for AMD64 Architecture [172 KB]
DownloadablePorting and Optimizing Multimedia Codecs for AMD64 Architecture on Windows [304 KB]

Intel - Tips for 64-bit (WinHEC Sponsor)
This link leaves the Microsoft.com siteIntel 64 Architecture
This link leaves the Microsoft.com siteIntel Developer Center - Developer Resources: Microsoft
This link leaves the Microsoft.com sitePorting to 64-bit Intel Architecture

Developer Resources for 64-bit Computing
Microsoft.comCalling Convention for x64 64-Bit Environments
Microsoft.comSearch on MSDN for "Itanium"
Microsoft.comSearch on MSDN for "x64"
Microsoft.comWindows Installer on 64-bit Operating Systems

See Also
WHDC Portal/Nodal64-Bit System Design
WHDC Portal/NodalArchived White Papers

Resources
White PaperWDK Documentation Download
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Developer Community Resources
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Signing Requirements for Windows
WHDC Portal/NodalDriver Tips: Best Practices for Windows Device Drivers
WHDC Portal/NodalNotes from Windows Development Teams
WHDC Portal/NodalSupport for Developer Kits and Tools
OtherDriver Developer Blogs
Microsoft.comWDK Online