How to Create a Device Driver

A device driver is a program that allows communication between a computer and a device attached to it internally or externally. Writing a device driver requires familiarity with the hardware and software used on a system, since a faulty driver can cause system crashes and other damage. It's possible for a less experienced programmer to create a device driver for Windows using sample code.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Download the Windows Driver Development Kit (DDK) from Microsoft's website. Check to make sure your system meets the system requirements. Go over the installation instructions. Install the DDK.
2. Browse through the driver sample code included in the DDK. Find a sample that matches your device type. Modify the sample code to match your device properties.
3. Open the Build Utility included with the DDK. Follow the prompts to compile the driver.
4. Obtain a checked build on Windows from Microsoft Developer Network. Test and debug the driver in a checked Windows build.
5. Make an INI file. Use the INI file to install the driver. Test the driver with Driver Verifier. Install a debugger program. Use the tools to debug the driver.
6. Create an installation package to distribute the driver to other computers. For your own computer, open the registry. Create a key for the driver under HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\. Name the key with the name of the driver. Add Start, Tag, Type, ErrorControl and Group keys for the driver.
7. Submit the driver to Microsoft to obtain a digital signature.

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