Windows Application Compatibility

Get Access to the Latest Releases of Windows

The Windows Ecosystem includes hardware, software, and services partners. In addition to providing partners with access to the software and tools they need to build and test solutions for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the Ecosystem Readiness Program facilitates testing multiple components of the ecosystem together to improve the overall user experience. Rather than just focusing on certifying a specific OEM product, software application, or hardware device, we will be bringing multiple components together to verify a rich user experience that delivers quality, reliability, and performance as well as innovation through new feature adoption.

To join the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Ecosystem Readiness Program, visit Microsoft Connect:

• Software developers
• Hardware developers

Test Your Applications

Application Verifier is a dynamic verification tool for user-mode applications. This tool monitors application actions while the application runs, subjects the application to a variety of stresses and tests, and generates a report about potential errors in application execution or design.

Application Verifier can detect errors in any user-mode applications that are not based on managed code, including user-mode drivers. It finds subtle programming errors that might be difficult to detect during standard application testing or driver testing.

The Standard User Analyzer  is a tool to help developers, IT professionals, and end users diagnose possible issues in an application when it is running as a standard user. Standard User Analyzer is part of the Application Compatibility Toolkit where you will find instructions on how to use it.

Microsoft has launched an program called the Windows Readiness Labs to assist our valued partners with ensuring Application Quality on Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.  The Windows Readiness Labs run every week in Redmond, WA.  We also schedule Readiness Labs at our world-wide Microsoft Technology Centers (MTC website) based on demand.   Please contact srglabs@microsoft.com to check for availability and booking details.

Review the requirements and process for submitting requests for soft and hard blocks to Microsoft.

If you have a legacy application, launched prior to January 2007, that is incompatible with Windows Vista or Windows 7 in a way that cannot be remedied by Microsoft, it may be eligible for a hard or soft block. Please review the requirements and process for submitting requests for soft and hard blocks to Microsoft.

Fix Any Issues

To help you get started on ensuring your application is compatible with Windows 7 you may want to view the Developing Compatible Applications for Windows 7 presentation that describes some known compatibility issues between Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7.

The official lists of known compatibility issues

• Windows 7 Application Quality Cookbook
  Get the list of known application compatibility issues between Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008 and Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2. The cookbook also explains the differences in performance, reliability, and usability, and provides links to detailed white papers and other developer guidance.
• Windows Vista Application Compatibility Cookbook
  If your application does not run yet on Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, then you should start with the Windows Vista Application Quality Cookbook. This is where you will find the list of known compatibility issues between Windows XP/Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista/Windows Server 2008.

Pledge to Support Your Customers on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft will help you tell customers about your plans to make your solutions compatible with Windows 7 and/or Windows Server 2008 R2. Visit the Windows Compatibility Center and let us know how soon you intend to support customers who deploy your client and/or server applications on the new platforms.

Then, during the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 global launch time frame, Microsoft will publish a list of all the currently compatible and future compatible applications to help customers. This is a valuable opportunity to get your product listed on the Windows Compatibility Center or Windows Server Catalog and gain worldwide exposure. Signing up is quick and easy:

• Visit the Partner Submission page to complete the Web form, or download a spreadsheet and submit it to us with your information. Be sure to opt-in to receive ongoing information about compatibility tools, resources and special promotion
• Update your product status by returning to the Partner Submission page and re-submitting your information.
• For more information about pledging your support, you can read the Windows Compatibility Center FAQ.

Get the Windows 7 Client Logo or Certify Your Application for Windows Server

Windows 7 Logo Program

After you have ensured that your application works on Windows 7, distinguish it through the "Compatible with Windows 7" logo and the power of the recognized Microsoft brand. Passing the logo requirements and displaying the "Compatible With Windows 7" logo on your product communicates that your product meets Microsoft-endorsed standards for compatibility and reliability on Windows 7.

Windows Server 2008 Logo Program

When your product is compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2, get ahead of your competition by earning the "Certified for" or "Works with" software logo. Earning the logo will help you:

• Identify your application as compatible with or certified for the latest Windows Server platform.
• Increase customer confidence in your application to support their purchase decision.
• Get global market visibility with a listing in the Windows Server Catalog.
• Earn up to 50 Partner Points toward Gold partnership status in the Microsoft Partner Program.

Optimize and Modernize Your Software