How to Apply for the Windows Logo Kit Certification### Introduction
The Windows Logo Kit (WLK) — sometimes referred to as the Windows Hardware Certification Kit (WHCK) or Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) depending on the Windows generation — is Microsoft’s certification program that verifies hardware and drivers meet Windows compatibility, reliability, and security standards. Earning the Windows Logo Kit certification (displayed as a “Certified for Windows” logo) helps manufacturers and developers demonstrate product quality, increase customer trust, and ensure smoother user experiences on Windows devices. This guide walks you through the entire application process, from prerequisites and testing to submission and maintaining certification.
Who needs this certification?
Windows device manufacturers, independent hardware vendors (IHVs), OEMs, and driver developers seeking to:
- Ship hardware and drivers that integrate seamlessly with Windows.
- Use the Windows Logo on packaging, marketing, and product pages.
- Ensure Windows Update compatibility for driver delivery.
Prerequisites and planning
Before starting, prepare the following:
- A registered Microsoft Partner or Hardware Dev Center account.
- Product documentation, hardware samples for testing, and driver packages.
- A test environment that matches Microsoft’s lab requirements (HLK server, test machines, network setup).
- Familiarity with Windows driver models (KMDF/UMDF) if you’re certifying drivers.
Checklist:
- Microsoft account and access to the Windows Hardware Dev Center
- Drivers signed with an EV code-signing certificate (if required)
- Hardware ready for comprehensive HLK/WLK testing
Step 1 — Create an account and enroll in the Hardware Dev Center
- Register for a Microsoft account if you don’t already have one.
- Enroll in the Windows Hardware Dev Center program:
- Navigate to the Windows Hardware Dev Center portal.
- Complete organization verification and accept the terms.
- Obtain any necessary subscriptions or permissions for submitting hardware and driver packages.
Step 2 — Understand the correct kit and tests
Microsoft has used several lab kits over time:
- For older Windows versions you might see references to WLK/WHQL/WHCK.
- For Windows 10 and later, the HLK (Hardware Lab Kit) is the primary tool for hardware certification.
- Use the specific HLK/WLK documentation for the Windows release you target to identify required test suites and policies.
Tip: Always download the latest HLK studio and controller matching the OS version you’re certifying.
Step 3 — Set up the test lab (HLK/WLK)
- Prepare a dedicated HLK controller machine (server) and one or more HLK client machines that represent your target hardware configurations.
- Install the HLK studio on a technician machine to author projects, submit test runs, and manage test results.
- Ensure network configuration, drivers, and Windows versions match Microsoft’s published test requirements.
- Connect the HLK clients to the controller and verify connectivity.
Step 4 — Prepare drivers and firmware
- Package your driver according to Microsoft’s driver package guidelines (INF structure, resources).
- Sign drivers using the appropriate code-signing certificate. For kernel-mode drivers on 64-bit Windows, Microsoft requires an Extended Validation (EV) certificate and attestation signing via the Hardware Dev Center.
- Increment driver versioning and ensure compatibility notes are documented.
Step 5 — Run required tests
- In HLK Studio, create a new project for your hardware and select the required test suite(s).
- Assign test machines and schedule test runs. Tests will cover functionality, reliability, and interoperability.
- Monitor test runs and address any failures by updating drivers, firmware, or test environment configuration.
- Re-run failing tests until all required cases pass.
Common failure causes:
- Missing driver files or incorrect INF entries.
- Incompatible firmware/hardware configurations.
- Environmental issues (network, permissions, Windows updates).
Step 6 — Collect results and generate reports
- After passing all required tests, export the test result bundle from HLK Studio.
- Review logs and evidence for each test to ensure completeness.
- Prepare release notes and test documentation required by the Windows Hardware Dev Center submission form.
Step 7 — Submit to the Windows Hardware Dev Center
- Sign in to the Windows Hardware Dev Center.
- Create a new hardware submission and fill in product metadata (model numbers, SKUs, supported OS versions, descriptions).
- Upload the driver package, test results bundle, firmware, and any required attestation/signing artifacts.
- Select the type of certification (logo).
- Pay any applicable submission fees if required.
Step 8 — Microsoft validation and certification
- Microsoft will validate the submission. This may include automated checks and manual review of artifacts and test evidence.
- If Microsoft identifies issues, they’ll return feedback. Address the feedback, update the submission, and resubmit.
- Once validated, Microsoft will issue the certification and provide assets and guidance for logo use.
What to expect:
- Typical validation time varies; plan for days to weeks depending on submission complexity.
- Certificates and logo usage terms are provided upon successful certification.
Step 9 — Post-certification: driver distribution and maintenance
- Distribute drivers via Windows Update when applicable; follow Microsoft’s driver publishing guidelines.
- Monitor Windows Update driver deliveries and customer feedback.
- For new Windows releases or major driver updates, re-certify as required.
- Keep attestation signing and EV certificates current to avoid driver blocking.
Common pitfalls and tips
- Start early: certification cycles, debugging, and re-submissions take time.
- Maintain strict version control for drivers and test environments.
- Automate repetitive tests where possible to reduce human error.
- Use Microsoft’s published test policies and checklists for the Windows version you target.
Resources
- Windows Hardware Dev Center portal (for submissions and policies)
- HLK Studio and controller downloads and documentation
- Microsoft’s driver signing and attestation guidance
If you want, I can create a step-by-step checklist tailored to your product (device type, driver model, target Windows versions) or draft the exact text/images you’ll need for the Hardware Dev Center submission.
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