hardware certification

Microsoft’s continued evolution of Windows 11 reaches a significant milestone with the upcoming 25H2 update, especially in how the company approaches hardware driver quality and security. While most users focus on surface-level changes like the user interface or new features, some of the most...

For years, the promise of USB-C on laptops has been simplicity and universality: one port, one cable, any device, anywhere. Yet for many Windows users, the real-world experience has often been anything but that. Countless stories abound across forums and tech support lines—of monitors failing to...

The evolving landscape of USB Type-C has brought both promise and confusion to the world of Windows PCs. As Microsoft takes proactive measures to standardize capabilities with new minimum requirements, consumers and manufacturers alike are poised to experience a significant shift in both...

Plug in a modern Windows laptop and, for the first time, you may finally be able to trust that the USB-C port just works—no more spinning the dreaded “port roulette” wheel, no more wading through technical jargon, and no more crossed fingers as you attach your dock, external monitor, or charger...

Microsoft has announced a significant overhaul of USB-C port functionality in Windows 11 devices, aiming to standardize and enhance user experience across the board. This initiative addresses longstanding inconsistencies where USB-C ports varied in their support for data transfer, charging, and...

Microsoft’s bold initiative to standardize and enhance USB-C functionality on new Windows 11 PCs marks a significant turning point in the ongoing saga of USB reliability. For years, the Universal Serial Bus—despite its name—has been anything but universal in the user experience it offers across...

USB-C, once heralded as the universal connector to end all connector chaos, has instead developed a reputation for unpredictability and frustration among Windows laptop users. The rise of this versatile port, capable of delivering blistering data transfer speeds, multi-device charging, and even...

For far too long, the USB-C landscape on Windows laptops has been plagued by inconsistency and confusion, leaving consumers and even seasoned tech reviewers guessing about what each port can actually do. From simple charging to blazing-fast data transfers and advanced display connectivity, the...

USB-C was introduced with the promise of simplifying connectivity by providing a universal port for data transfer, charging, and video output. However, the reality has been far more complex. The proliferation of USB-C ports with varying capabilities—ranging from different USB generations to...

Here’s a concise summary of the key updates from Microsoft's release of the updated Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) and Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) for Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, as reported by Windows Report and supported by other sources: What Are HLK and VHLK? HLK (Hardware...

Microsoft is moving decisively into the future of Windows compatibility and driver certification with a series of significant updates announced this May. This wave of improvements isn’t just a footnote tucked away in technical documentation but marks a notable shift in the company’s approach to...

The recent announcements from Microsoft regarding enhancements to hardware and driver compatibility testing in Windows 11 version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 mark a significant shift in how device makers and developers approach certification for modern Windows platforms. As the company phases...

AMD have announced that their driver has received Microsoft certification. Unfortunately it looks like it won't be appearing until later this summer. Reference: AMD Catalyst receives Windows 8 certification | Game Blog Preview Driver: Link Removed