: Once a driver passes, it receives a WHQL digital signature .
Publishers play a critical role in the ecosystem of hardware compatibility, especially concerning driver development and distribution. A driver is essentially a piece of software that enables communication between the operating system and a hardware device. Hardware vendors or third-party publishers often develop these drivers, which are then made available for download to users.
When a driver passes WHCP tests, Microsoft applies a WHQL signature. This creates a direct link of trust: