M

Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework 1.0

Microsoft  ❘ Commercial
Windows

Streamlined Driver Development with Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework

David Fischer

Microsoft's Kernel-Mode Driver Framework simplifies the creation, testing, and deployment of kernel-mode drivers, ensuring better stability and performance for Windows devices.
2025 Editor's Rating
EXCELLENT User Rating

The Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework, developed by Microsoft, is a set of libraries that simplifies the creation of kernel-mode device drivers for Windows 2000 and later versions. It provides a standardized and easy-to-use interface for driver developers, allowing them to focus on the core functionality of their drivers instead of low-level details.

With the Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework, developers can quickly create reliable and efficient drivers that conform to the Windows Driver Model (WDM) architecture. The framework handles many routine tasks such as managing I/O requests and interrupts, enabling plug-and-play support, and handling power management.

  • Efficient: The Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework supports multiple I/O requests simultaneously, improving performance and allowing multiple threads to handle incoming requests.
  • Easy to Use: With a simple interface design, developers can create complex drivers with fewer lines of code. The framework incorporates a message-based mechanism that reduces the amount of programming required for driver communication.
  • Flexibility: The framework is designed to accommodate a wide range of device classes and architectures, making it suitable for practically any device.
  • Compatibility: The Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework is fully compatible with kernel-mode environments and can be used with the latest versions of Windows operating systems.

The Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework saves driver developers time and effort by providing a solid foundation for their projects. It enables them to focus on their primary goal - creating functional and performant drivers that work with minimal errors across different hardware configurations.

Overview

Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework is a Commercial software in the category Internet developed by Microsoft.

The latest version of Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework is 1.0, released on 02/18/2008. It was initially added to our database on 10/29/2007.

Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Users of Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework gave it a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Pros

  • Provides a framework for developing kernel-mode drivers for Windows operating system
  • Simplifies the development process by providing APIs and helper functions
  • Helps in standardizing driver development and ensuring stability
  • Well-documented with resources and support available from Microsoft

Cons

  • Limited to Windows operating system only; not compatible with other platforms
  • Requires understanding of kernel-level programming, which can be complex and error-prone
  • Debugging and testing kernel-mode drivers can be challenging
  • Updates and changes in the framework may require driver modifications

FAQ

What is Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework?

Microsoft Kernel-Mode Driver Framework (KMDF) is a programming framework used to develop kernel-mode drivers for Windows systems.

Why is KMDF important?

KMDF simplifies the development of kernel-mode drivers, making them more reliable and easier to maintain.

Which operating systems support KMDF?

KMDF is supported on various versions of Windows, including Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows Server editions.

Can KMDF drivers communicate with user-mode applications?

Yes, KMDF drivers can communicate with user-mode applications through various inter-process communication mechanisms such as IOCTL (Input/Output Control)

How does KMDF handle device I/O operations?

KMDF provides a set of APIs and abstractions to handle device I/O operations, allowing developers to focus on the functionality rather than low-level details.

Is KMDF backward compatible?

Yes, KMDF maintains backward compatibility, allowing drivers developed with older versions of KMDF to work on newer versions of the framework.

Can KMDF drivers run on both x86 and x64 architectures?

Yes, KMDF drivers can run on both x86 and x64 architectures without any modifications in most cases.

Does KMDF provide power management capabilities?

Yes, KMDF includes built-in support for power management features, allowing drivers to handle device power states efficiently.

Is KMDF open-source?

No, KMDF is a proprietary framework developed by Microsoft and closed-source.

Where can I find documentation and resources to develop KMDF drivers?

Microsoft provides official documentation and resources on their website, including guidelines, samples, and forums for developer support.


David Fischer

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

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