WHQL Certification - Windows Logo - Driver Signing

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WHQL Certification Plans and Charges

Driver Digital Signature Authentication

Hardware Compatibility Test

In view of the latest requirements of Microsoft, since the end of April 2021, Microsoft has no longer accepted code signing certificates for the digital signature of drivers (Note: Non-driver software can still use code signing certificates), and has required drivers to be digitally signed by WHQL. With our professional service experience, sslTrus will assist customers to complete the test to obtain Microsoft's digital signature certificate and thus make the program run smoothly on Windows.

Plan	Single System (choose any of the following systems)	Multi-System (all of the following systems are included)
Operating System	Win7, Win8, Win8.1, Win10, Win2008, Win2012, Win2016, Win2019	Win7, Win8, Win8.1, Win10, Win2008, Win2012, Win2016, Win2019
System Type	32 and 64 bits
Delivery Time	3 days	5 days
File Type	core driver (hardware driver or service-based driver)
Main Purpose	Solve the issue of digital signature verification of drivers on Windows
Information to be provided by the customer	Driver file Enterprise name (in English and Chinese) Contact name, phone (landline), email, address
Customer Service

Issue	The driver can pass signature authentication, hardware compatibility test (WHQL certification), driver online installation
Subject	Core driver (hardware driver or service driver)
Scheme	EV Code Signing Certificate + WHQL Test Service
Service	Build a WHQL test platform to test the compatibility of the driver on Windows; Driver modification suggestions for the driver compatibility issues found in the WHQL test; Get the WHQL test report, publish and verify the driver to Microsoft's update server for online installation; The WHQL test system includes Win7, win8, win8.1, win10 server2008, server2012, server2016; WHQL tests are performed on 32 and 64 bit systems respectively.
Materials to be submitted by customers	Business license, contact information, driver packages to be signed, two sets of hardware equipment for testing
Delivery time	7-10 working days
Charges	¥3500 for one drive on one system. The 32-bit and 64-bit systems are tested and charged separately. Great discounts on tests for all systems.
Certificate fee	One EV code signing certificate. For more details, please click the button below to contact customer service.
Customer Service

Introduction to WHQL

WHQL, also known as Windows Logo testing, is short for Windows Hardware Quality Labs and a certification standard established by Microsoft. By conducting strict tests of drivers and devices on Microsoft’s test platform, the WHQL test provides various advantages such as better user experience, trust list, easier improvement, eligibility to use the "Designed for Windows" logo and inclusion of its products in the Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) and Windows directory.

Microsoft provides the Windows Logo Program to, on the one hand, address compatibility, stability, and interoperability between devices and Windows operating systems, eliminate the issue of system or device downtime and performance drop, and provide users with a better experience. On the other hand, it helps customers identify the systems and peripheral equipment that can meet platform’s basic requirements and ensures a high-quality Windows experience for end users.

WHQL is designed to identify high-quality PC systems and component products for Windows. Passing WHQL test and obtaining the Windows Logo is the process of product standardization, internationalization and branding. Familiarizing with the WHQL testing and certification process is a must for hardware manufacturers to produce next-generation PCs and peripheral equipment.

Why Do You Need WHQL?

Enhance User Experience

Drivers that pass the WHQL testing can give users a better experience.

Digital Signature Recognition, Better Compatibility

Obtaining this digital signature means that the driver has passed the Windows compatibility test and thus has better compatibility.

Microsoft Windows Logo

Using the "Designed for Windows" logo on products and packaging garners recognition from Microsoft and users.

Free Publishing, Easier to Update

Digitally signed drivers are distributed for free on Windows Update. Thus, your customers can easily get the latest Windows-related software updates.

Global Authority, Priority Purchase Opportunity

Can be listed in the Windows Catalog and the HCL product list. Government agencies, medium and large enterprises often refer to these lists when purchasing related products.

Bug Feedback to Help Improvement

Access Microsoft Online Crash Analysis (OCA) and use the user error data it provides to help improve the quality of your signed drivers, software and devices.

WHQL FAQs

QDo I still need to apply for an EV code signing certificate if I apply for WHQL certification?

Yes. To apply for WHQL certification, you need to create your own account with Microsoft through an EV Code signing certificate. If you don’t have an account yet, please apply for an EV code signing certificate.

QWhat are a public key and a private key? What's the relationship between them?

To apply for WHQL testing, you need to provide corresponding product drivers and equipment. The details are as follows:

Two to three sets of hardware are to be provided for each product depending on the certification requirements.
The corresponding debugging files such as PDB can also be provided if available.
During product testing, we will encounter various technical issues, some requiring firmware modifications, some requiring kernel driver modifications, so we need to keep communicating with you.

QIs WHQL charged annually?

No. It’s charged differently from the EV code signing certificate. If your drivers and products are not updated, you only need to pay for the WHQL certification fee once. While your drivers and related products have updates, you may have to pay a small fee according to the packages.

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