Microsoft Announces Stricter Driver Isolation Requirements
Microsoft has revealed plans to enforce stricter driver isolation rules for hardware certification submissions, according to reports from the company’s official channels. Sources indicate the changes will impact both WHCP (Windows Hardware Compatibility Program) and Attestation driver packages submitted through the Hardware Dev Center portal.
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The report states that although InfVerif /h validation is already part of existing certification workflows, Microsoft will significantly raise the compliance bar. This means numerous drivers that previously passed certification checks may now fail unless developers make necessary updates to meet the enhanced isolation standards.
Security Improvements Driving Changes
Analysts suggest Microsoft’s motivation centers on strengthening security and quality across the Windows driver ecosystem. The company reportedly aims to ensure driver packages are better isolated from external interference, reducing potential vulnerability points.
According to the announcement, the updated InfVerif /h testing will automatically run as part of the Windows 11 25H2 HLK certification process. Developers whose drivers fail under the new rules must revise them to conform to driver package isolation principles, specifically avoiding registry or file operations outside permitted zones.
Windows 11 Focus Intensifies
The timing of these changes coincides with Microsoft’s broader strategic shift toward Windows 11 as the primary supported operating system. The company had previously announced it would end WHCP support for Windows 10 in alignment with the operating system’s end-of-life timeline, effectively making Windows 11 the exclusive focus for driver development moving forward.
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Industry observers note this represents another step in Microsoft’s ongoing security enhancement initiatives across its ecosystem. The changes come amid broader industry developments, including Oracle’s multicloud AI expansion, Shein’s mixed financial performance, and global banking security concerns.
Developer Adaptation Required
Hardware developers will need to familiarize themselves with the updated requirements through Microsoft’s official Windows Driver Kit documentation and prepare for potential recertification of existing drivers. The company’s technical community blog provides additional details about the specific rule changes and implementation timeline.
According to reports, Microsoft is providing advance notice to allow developers sufficient time to adapt their submission processes and update driver packages before the stricter enforcement begins later this year.
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