Each version of Windows requires a minimum driver architecture. Hardware must have drivers built for the correct model to function properly. This table shows the driver model required for each major Windows release.
| Windows Version | Required Driver Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Windows XP | WDM (Windows Driver Model) | Legacy driver framework used through XP. |
| Windows Vista | WDDM 1.0 | Introduced new graphics driver model; many XP drivers became incompatible. |
| Windows 7 | WDDM 1.1 | Improved performance and memory handling. |
| Windows 8 | WDDM 1.2 | Required for modern Metro/Store apps. |
| Windows 8.1 | WDDM 1.3 | Enhanced GPU scheduling and power management. |
| Windows 10 | WDDM 2.0+ | Introduced with DirectX 12; major driver architecture shift. |
| Windows 11 | WDDM 2.0+ (with modern security stack) | Requires Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and modern GPU drivers. |
Note: Windows does not have minimum or maximum driver versions. Drivers must simply match the required driver model for the OS.