Windows Logo Program for Hardware > Getting Started

Plan and Design: Getting Started

Updated: June 9, 2009

To help ensure that compatibility with Microsoft Windows is built in during hardware and driver design, follow these steps:

1. Design for compatibility with industry standards.
From a user's perspective, new hardware should install correctly on the first try, without interfering with other devices and applications on the PC. To enable this basic experience, Windows must be able to configure and manage devices. Industry standards are the foundation for hardware compatibility with Windows management of system and device configuration. For information about standards for Windows compatibility, see:

•	PC Fundamentals: Overview Industry standards such as USB and PCI that define the implementation mechanisms for Plug and Play and power management.
•	Device Fundamentals: Overview Windows compatibility guidelines, device class specifications, and protocol standards, such as networking and communication protocols.

2. Design for the Windows Logo Program.
Designing to meet the criteria for the Windows Logo Program ensures that your product is compatible with industry standards, is easy to install, and is reliable and secure. For details, see:

•	Microsoft Windows Logo Program System and Device Requirements Criteria for servers, desktop PCs, mobile PCs, and hardware components to qualify for the Windows Logo Program.

3. Design for reliability, stability, and security.
For details about designing for system and device reliability, see:

•	Security and Reliability Strategies White papers, checklists, and access to resources for creating reliable, secure drivers.
•	Development Tools and Testing Information about development and testing tools for verifying reliability and stability.

4. Design and test for systemwide performance.
Each component in a PC or server system must be tested in common configurations, with consideration for issues such as startup and resume behavior, performance, and battery life. For details, see:

•	System Performance Design guidelines, system information, and tools for performance issues.
•	Driver Performance: Best Practices Design and testing guidelines for optimizing driver performance.

5. Test with current versions of Windows, including beta testing.
Rigorously test all your devices and systems under the current versions and beta release of Windows, including service packs. For information about Windows beta, see Beta Testing Frequently Asked Questions.

6. Attend WinHEC, the Windows Hardware Engineering Conference.
WinHEC provides the year's best opportunity for technical professionals across all segments of the PC industry to meet and investigate the future directions for quality and innovation with the Windows platform. For details, see the WinHEC Web site.

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