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.
