Windows printer driver certification

Starting with Windows 10, version , Windows will not load any new kernel-mode drivers which are not signed by the Dev Portal. Note that an EV code signing certificate is required to establish a dashboard account. There are many different ways to submit drivers to the portal. For testing on Windows 10 client only systems, you can submit your drivers for attestation signing , which does not require HLK testing.

Or, you can submit your driver for Test signing as described on the Create a new hardware submission page. To prevent systems from failing to boot properly, boot drivers will not be blocked, but they will be removed by the Program Compatibility Assistant.

To sign a driver for Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 8. Before Windows 10, version , the following types of drivers require an Authenticode certificate used together with Microsoft's cross-certificate for cross-signing:.

Feedback will be sent to Microsoft: By pressing the submit button, your feedback will be used to improve Microsoft products and services. Privacy policy. The Microsoft Windows printing architecture consists of a print spooler and a set of printer drivers. By calling device-independent functions, applications can create print jobs and send them to many devices.

This includes laser printers, vector plotters, raster printers, and fax machines. Printer drivers include a rendering component and a configuration component. The rendering component converts the graphics commands from the application into a data format that the printer uses to render the image on the page. The configuration component contains a user interface component that enables users to control a printer's selectable options and a program interface that communicates the printer's configuration and features to an application.

These functions pass the information to the GDI graphics engine. The GDI graphics engine either spools the drawing instructions as an enhanced metafile EMF file or, together with a printer driver, renders a printable image that can be sent to the spooler. Spooler components interpret EMF files, and they can insert page layout information and job control instructions into the data stream. Downloading and installing the latest printer driver can often resolve these problems. If Windows Update finds an updated driver, it will download and install it, and your printer will automatically use it.

If your printer came with a disc, it might contain software that can help you install drivers for your printer or it may be able to help you check for driver updates.

Some support sites let you search for your printer model number directly. Most drivers are self-installing. After you download one, double-click or double-tap the file to begin installing. Then follow these steps to remove and reinstall the printer. After removing your printer, add it back by selecting Add device.

Wait for your device to find nearby printers, choose the one you want, then select Add device. If you need to install Fax and XPS manually, check out the instructions below:. Fax is not supported on ARM devices. Select Optional features , then select View Features. Select the check box next to Windows Fax and Scan in the results and select Next.

Select the search icon on your taskbar, then type "Turn Windows features on or off" and select the Control panel option with that name. If the check box is already checked, clear it and select OK. You can check by following the steps below:. After the check is complete, select Advanced options, then select Optional updates. Select a checkbox next to a driver that's associated with the device you're attempting to install. Most printers require that you install the latest printer driver so that the printer will work well.