Windows Update Hardware-Related

Software Content Policy

January 13, 2012

Abstract

This document provides information about distributing hardware-related

third-party software on the Microsoft Windows Update Web site for the
Microsoft Windows family of operating systems. It provides general
guidelines to help hardware and PC manufacturers understand the
Business, Eligibility and Removal Policies.
This information applies to the following operating systems:
Windows Server 2008 R2
Windows 7
Windows Server 2008
Windows Vista
Windows Server 2003
Windows XP
Windows 2000
The current version of this specification is maintained on the Web at:
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/

Disclaimer: This document is provided as-is. Information and views expressed in this document, including URL and
other Internet Web site references, may change without notice. You bear the risk of using it.
This document does not provide you with any legal rights to any intellectual property in any Microsoft product. You
may copy and use this document for your internal, reference purposes.
2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Windows Update Hardware-Related Software Content Policy - 2

Document History
Date
Change

July 29, 2005

First publication

January 13,
2012

Updated template, legal disclaimer, and contact

email. No other changes.

Contents
1.
2.

Content Business Policy...............................................................3

Content Eligibility Policy...............................................................3
2.1 Standard Content...................................................................3
2.2 Non-standard Content............................................................4
2.3 Critical Content......................................................................5
3. Content Removal Policy...............................................................5

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Windows Update Hardware-Related Software Content Policy - 3

1. Content Business Policy

1.1
At the present time, there is no charge to OEM and IHV
partners for the hosting or distribution of content through Windows
Update. Microsoft believes that the ability to improve system stability
through the use of this update mechanism is fundamental to
ensuring customers trustworthy PC experience.
1.2
The policies that govern distribution of content from OEM and
IHV partners through Windows Update may be updated at Microsofts
sole discretion. Microsoft will provide at least 60 days notice for any
change of policy, and at least 270 days advance notice for any
change of policy related to recovery of Microsofts costs associated
with this program.
1.3
As used in this document, the term hardware refers to
peripheral devices that interoperate with the basic computer system
in order to expand the functionality it supports. Some examples of
such devices are network controllers, graphics adapters, printers,
mice, digital cameras, and cell phones.

2. Content Eligibility Policy

2.1

Standard Content

2.1.1. This program is open to content provided by an OEM or IHV

partner through the submission services provided at
https://winqual.microsoft.com.
2.1.1.1.
Partner must provide standard IP and Open
Source warranties and provide unlimited indemnification
through the execution of the WHQL Testing or substantively
similar agreement
2.1.2. To qualify for this program, content to be distributed through
Windows Update must be hardware related and required for the
proper and feature-compete functioning of the hardware (for
example, drivers and hardware-related software only) on a Windows
OS.
2.1.3. Microsoft subsidizes this distribution mechanism in order to
improve end user experiences with Windows Operating Systems.
Hardware-related software must meet all of the following
requirements:

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2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

Windows Update Hardware-Related Software Content Policy - 4

2.1.3.1.
The software or substantially feature-equivalent
software is distributed in the box with the hardware or
already embedded with the hardware.
2.1.3.2.
The software is only useful in conjunction with the
hardware and the softwares sole purpose is to make the
hardware optimally functional on a Windows OS; software not
intended primarily for use in conjunction with a Windows OS
does not qualify for this program.
2.1.3.3.
The sole purpose of any software UI, APIs or other
interfaces is to allow a user to manage and configure a
hardware device on a Windows OS.
2.1.3.4.
The software is associated specifically with
unique hardware or specific hardware consumables through
Windows Plug and Play as defined by the appropriate BUS
specifications (examples: PCI, USB, IP Connected, SMBIOS
fields, MS Virtual BUS drivers)

2.1.4. Content must be digitally signed by Microsoft and must meet

all relevant Microsoft content quality and Windows interoperability
guidelines such as the Designed for Windows (DFW) and/or other
Microsoft digital signature programs.
2.1.4.1.
Hardware-related software that is distributed on
Windows Update must support Microsoft software stacks and
protocols to the extent defined by the Windows Logo
requirements.
2.1.5. Installation package must:
2.1.5.1.
adequately install needed components via an
INF-based installation or follow the process outlined below in
3.2,
2.1.5.2.

be readily uninstallable by the user,

2.1.5.3.

install only on specific hardware configurations,

2.1.5.4.

fully complete without requiring user input, and

2.1.5.5.
not require a reboot if the Operating System
supports installation without rebooting.
2.1.6. Content must clearly describe any changes to end user
settings that might be associated with use of the software, and must
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Windows Update Hardware-Related Software Content Policy - 5

prompt for end user affirmation and consent prior to any change of
settings.
2.1.7. Content must provide customers full control of how their
personal information is collected, used, and communicated to others
and must not generate unwanted communications.
2.1.8. Content must not delete or alter any Windows OS component,
alter access to or functionality of any Windows OS component, or
make use of non-public Windows interfaces, data-structures, or other
non-public mechanisms.
2.1.9. Content must not engage in malicious activity (for example,
viruses, worms, security exploits, bots, ad-ware, spyware).

2.2

Non-standard Content

2.2.1. Microsoft currently provides a mechanism to support legacy

content that fails to comply with 3.1.5 above (INF-based installation).
To request participation in this program submit a request by email to
ddchelp@microsoft.com with WU Non-Standard Driver Content
Request in the subject line. This content must meet the following
requirements in addition to the Standard Content requirements.
2.2.2. The content provider must prove to Microsoft that an INFbased installation is insufficient to address the stability issues that
the package is intended to solve.
2.2.3. The content must meet the requirements for Critical Content
(2.3).

2.3

Critical Content

2.3.1. Microsoft provides a mechanism for content providers to utilize

the critical update and automatic download features of Windows
Update. To request participation in this program submit a request by
email to ddchelp@microsoft.com with WU Critical Content Request
in the Subject line. This content must meet the following
requirements in addition to the Standard Content requirements:
2.3.1.1.
The driver is among the top 20 Online Crash
Analysis (OCA) driver issues report for an OEMs systems over
the last 90 days; or
2.3.1.2.
The previous version of the code causes 10% or
10,000 (whichever is lower) of an OEM's systems to stop
unexpectedly during driver installation over a two-week period
or lose basic device or system functionality. Examples of this
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Windows Update Hardware-Related Software Content Policy - 6

include: sound cards no longer emit sounds; a mouse cannot

move the cursor; a storage unit cannot be accessed; or
2.3.1.3.
At the sole discretion of Microsoft, the existing
code results in excessive product support calls by OEMs, IHVs,
or Microsoft.

3. Content Removal Policy

Reasons for immediate removal of content from the Windows Update Web
site and/or the Automatic Update service include but are not limited to the
following:
3.1.Installation failure rate of 5% or greater as measured by the
Windows Update installation client.
3.2.The content is found to cause computers to stop unexpectedly
during non-exceptional usage.
3.3.Removal request by the content provider who submitted the
content, or is requested by the content providers designated proxy.
3.4.PSS or Help-Desk volume and/or customer complaints as reported
by Microsoft or a third party.
3.5.Excessive Windows Error Reports.
3.6.High Uninstall rates.
3.7.Exceptionally large download size.
3.8.Discovery of a material violation of any policies described in this
document, the WHQL testing agreement or the Logo license
agreement.
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January 13, 2012

2012 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.