What is WHQL
Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) is a Microsoft certification program that verifies hardware devices and drivers are compatible with and operate within the Windows operating systems. Products that successfully complete the WHQL process are considered to meet Microsoft’s quality standards for stability, reliability, and compatibility.
Microsoft Announcement
Microsoft has announced the phased retirement of support for third-party printer drivers on Windows. As a result, printer drivers that were released earlier this year will no longer be eligible for WHQL certification.
What this means for customers
Kyocera drivers that were released earlier this year will no longer undergo WHQL testing and will not be digitally signed by Microsoft. Instead, these drivers will be signed using Kyocera’s proprietary digital signature. As a result, users may encounter a security prompt during the initial installation of a Kyocera driver.
Note: if the user selects “Always trust” during installation, the prompt will not be displayed again for future installations or updates from the same publisher.
Security Impact
There is no security impact arising from this change. Driver authentication will continue to be performed through Kyocera’s digital signing process, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of the driver package.