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WHQL release signature

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Your Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) digitally signed driver package can be distributed through the Windows Update program. WHQL can digitally sign your driver packages if they pass Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) testing.

Obtaining a WHQL release signature is part of the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK). A WHQL release signature consists of a digitally signed catalog file. The digital signature doesn't change the driver binary files or the INF file that you submit for testing.

Obtaining a WHQL release signature consists of:

  • Testing the driver package with the Windows HCK to verify that the driver package is compatible with Microsoft Windows. Once the HCK is installed, the Driver Test Manager (DTM) is run to test and verify the driver package. For more information, see the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK).

  • Submitting DTM test logs to the Windows Quality Online Services to obtain a WHQL release signature for the driver package. For more information, see the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK).

You can embed a signature in a driver file by using WHQL. For more information about WHQL, see the Windows Hardware Quality Labs website.