Certification Program Overview

The Windows Driver Certification Program is designed to ensure that drivers for Windows devices are secure, reliable, and provide a high-quality user experience. Achieving certification signifies that your driver has met rigorous testing and quality standards defined by Microsoft.

Why Certify Your Drivers?

  • Enhanced User Trust: Users are more likely to install and trust drivers that are certified by Microsoft.
  • Improved Security: Certified drivers undergo security checks to protect against malware and vulnerabilities.
  • Platform Stability: Certification helps ensure compatibility and stability with the Windows operating system.
  • Market Access: In some cases, certification is required for devices to be sold or marketed as Windows compatible.
  • Access to Windows Update: Certified drivers can be distributed through Windows Update, reaching a broader audience.

Key Pillars of Certification

The certification process focuses on several critical areas:

  • Functionality: The driver must perform its intended functions correctly and reliably.
  • Security: Drivers must adhere to security best practices and avoid common vulnerabilities.
  • Performance: Drivers should not negatively impact system performance or resource utilization.
  • Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility across various hardware configurations and Windows versions.
  • User Experience: Drivers should integrate seamlessly with the Windows user interface and provide a smooth experience.

Getting Started

To begin the certification process, you'll need to:

  1. Review the latest Certification Requirements.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the Submission Process.
  3. Download and utilize the Testing Tools provided by Microsoft.

For detailed technical documentation and guidance, please refer to the resources linked in the navigation bar.

Submit Your Driver