Driver packages that pass Windows Logo Program testing can be digitally-signed by WHQL. If your driver package is digitally-signed by WHQL, it can be distributed through the Windows Update program or other Microsoft-supported distribution mechanisms.

Obtaining a WHQL release signature is part of the Windows Logo Program. A WHQL release signature consists of a digitally-signed catalog file. The digital signature does not change the driver binary files or the INF file that you submit for testing.

Obtaining a WHQL release signature consists of the following:

• Testing the driver package with the Windows Logo Kit (WLK) to verify that the driver package is compatible with Microsoft Windows. Once the WLK is installed, the Driver Test Manager (DTM) is run to test and verify the driver package. For more information, see Test-Getting Started WEB site.
• Submitting DTM test logs to the Windows Quality Online Services to obtain a WHQL release signature for the driver package. For more information, see Qualify-Getting Started WEB site.

For more information about WHQL, see the Windows Hardware Quality Labs Web site.

Note  WHQL does not embed signatures in driver files. If you embed a signature in a driver file, you should use a third-party commercial release certificate. Embed the signature in the driver file before submitting the driver package to WHQL.