Windbg WDK or SDK

jcgriff2 · Mar 2, 2013

I have Windbg 6.11, 6.12, 6.2.8229 - never got 6.2.9200 installed as it failed. Time for W7 + W8 reinstall.

I have both SDK & WDK among the Windbg versions.

I can see the differences if I developed drivers, but for Windbg + KD, does it matter which is installed?

It looks like SDK should be fine - http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/hardware/gg463009.aspx

niemiro · Mar 2, 2013

My understanding is that it does not matter at all, as windbg & kd will be identical between the two. Both the SDK & WDK are much more programming related, and those programmers who need either (or both) will already know the differences. My understanding is that the SDK installer allows for a smaller download & installation size for those who just want the debugging tools and is therefore probably preferable to most users here. Richard

cluberti · Mar 3, 2013

The difference is in the WinDBG versions, specifically in the versions of the included debugging extensions and automation. Unless you have good reason, it's always best to install the latest version, which should be from the Windows 8 WDK or SDK. If you're not doing driver development and just need the debugging tools, Microsoft recommends using the installation package from the SDK:

[h=2]Install Debugging Tools for Windows as a Standalone Component[/h]If you don’t need an entire kit (neither WDK nor Windows SDK) but you do need only the Debugging tools, you can install the Debugging Tools as a standalone component from the Windows SDK. In the Windows SDK installation wizard, click through a few screens, select Debugging Tools for Windows on the page for selecting features/options and clear other components that you don’t want. This will download Debugging Tools for Windows without the rest of the Windows SDK.

Install Debugging Tools for Windows as a Standalone Component (from Windows SDK)

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Windbg WDK or SDK

jcgriff2

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

niemiro

Senior Administrator, Windows Update Expert

cluberti

Senior Member

Windbg WDK or SDK

jcgriff2

Co-Founder / AdminBSOD Instructor/ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

niemiro

Senior Administrator, Windows Update Expert

cluberti

Senior Member

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)