Celeste Stewart | August 14th, 2008
Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Labs device drivers, or WHQL device drivers, are device drivers that have been tested by Windows Hardware Quality Labs for compatibility with the Windows operating system. These are also known as “signed” drivers.
In order for a hardware device to be eligible for the Windows Logo program, it must be certified for compatibility. The Microsoft Hardware Quality Labs is the testing facility that carries out the necessary tests and then digitally signs the WHQL device drivers that meet or exceed all requirements.
In addition, the WHQL drivers are then input into a master catalog originally called the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL). This list, now known as the Windows Logo’d Products List, contains a comprehensive selection of hardware devices, peripherals, mobile devices, and other Windows Logo’d products.
The list is fully searchable. You can either explore based on logo type such as “Certified for Windows Vista” or “Works with Windows Vista” or search based on device type such as game controllers, monitors, network cards, and so on. This is useful when you’re in the market for a new device. Simply check the Windows Logo’d Products list for the device type that you’re considering and see which products have met the requirements for your system.
The difference between “Certified for Windows Vista” and “Works with Windows Vista” is that those devices that have been “certified” have been tested to provide the “best experience” while those that simply “work” have been tested to pass compatibility and reliability standards.
Versions of the HCL list for other Windows operating systems are also available including:
Each Hardware Compatibility List for each of the various operating systems works a little bit differently. For example, the Windows 98, ME, and NT lists are simple text lists while the Windows Server Catalog is a complete listing featuring software, hardware, and server virtualization validation.
No matter what Windows version you are running, compatibility with its components is critical. WHQL drivers have been tested and proven by Microsoft Hardware Quality Labs for compatibility with specific operating systems.
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Celeste Stewart | August 14th, 2008
Official Microsoft device drivers are actually known as “signed” device drivers. Microsoft works closely with numerous hardware and software providers to ensure that their products are designed to work properly with the various Windows operating systems. When hardware and software manufacturers create products that meet stringent requirements, they can apply to Microsoft for the right to use the “certified for Windows Vista” (or similar) logo.
In addition, the actual device’s drivers must be certified to ensure that they follow specific requirements for the operating system. During this process, the device drivers are tested and ultimately signed if they’ve met the requirements and have passed the necessary tests. A signed driver has been tested by Microsoft and verified as being stable.
During signing, the installation file set contains an encrypted digital signature that proves the device driver has passed the appropriate certification tests. In addition, a unique catalog file is included in the installation file set which allows the operating system to recognize the signed device driver.
When you buy a device bearing the “certified for Windows Vista” logo, this means that the device has been tested and will work with your Vista computer. In addition, your computer will recognize the device once plugged in and automatically install the required drivers.
Your Windows computer needs to be updated periodically so that it learns how to recognize new devices as they become available. This is done by using Windows Update which is located in the Control Panel. Microsoft includes new signed device drivers with updates as they become available. If you’ve recently purchased a recently developed “certified for Windows” device but Windows doesn’t recognize it, it’s likely that your operating system hasn’t received the update yet. A quick Windows Update should do the trick.
While signed device drivers are designed to work with your Windows computer, not all device drivers have been tested. This doesn’t necessarily mean that unsigned device drivers are undesirable; it just means that they haven’t gone through the Microsoft testing and signing process. When updating your device drivers, if given a choice between signed and unsigned drivers, the signed ones have been documented as being stable. In other words, would you prefer a proven stable driver or one that hasn’t been tested?
You can also get updated signed drivers (if available) directly from your device manufacturer’s Web site. When updating your device drivers, it is crucial that you download the appropriate driver for your device and operating system. For example, if you have Windows Vista and accidentally download a device driver for Windows XP, your device may not function properly regardless of whether it was signed or not.
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