You can fast-track the Windows 8 certified devices listed in the table below for Windows 8.1 certification if:

  • The device was previously certified for Windows 8.
  • The device's binaries haven't changed since the submission for Windows 8, and only the INF is updated to reflect the new Windows version.

If the device meets these criteria, here's how you can create a submission:

  1. Use the new Windows HCK for Windows 8.1, create a Windows 8.1 project, and run the Device.DevFund INF test.
  2. Use the Windows Dev Center hardware dashboard to package the results for submission upload.
  3. Include the previous Windows 8 submission ID in the README folder.
  4. Reference errata ID 2657, "Windows 8 to Windows 8.1 driver certification update special," in the README folder.

Submissions are reviewed for these items:

  1. The earlier Windows certification referenced in the README file.
  2. The DevFund INF test passes.
  3. No driver binary changes occurred. (We test this by using WinDiff.)

If the review is successful, the submission is free.

Certified Windows 8 devices and drivers that can be resubmitted for Windows 8.1 using the plan above

Digital Video Camera

Digital Media Renderer

Digital Still Camera

Distribution Scan Management Enabled Device

Enterprise WSD Multifunction Printer

Game Controller

Generic Controller

Graphics Tablet

Hard Drive - HDD, SSD

LAN

LCD

Monitor

Multifunction Printer

Optical Drive
Other

Pen Digitizer

Printer

Removable Storage

Router

Scanner

SDIO Controller

Signature Tablet

Smart Card

Smart Card Reader

Storage Array

Storage Controller (Client)

Storage Spaces Adapter (Client)

Storage Spaces Drive

Storage Spaces Enclosure

Touch

Touch Monitor

USB Hub

WSD Multifunction

WSD Printer

WSD Scanner

New or changed drivers require testing for Windows 8.1

If you're submitting a new device or driver not listed in the table above (or if you're submitting an updated driver that was previously certified), you need to test for Windows 8. However, you can request a Windows 8 signature without completely retesting with Windows 8. You'll need to prove that the INF is well formed for Windows 8 by following these steps:

  1. Using the new Windows HCK for Windows 8.1, create a Windows 8.1 project, and run the full certification suite of tests.
  2. Using the new Windows HCK for Windows 8.1, create a Windows 8 project and run only the Device.DevFund INF test.
  3. Package the results of the projects for submission uploading by using the Windows Dev Center hardware dashboard packaging tools.
  4. Reference errata ID 2656 "Windows 8.1 to Windows 8 driver certification downgrade special" in the README folder.

A submission is reviewed for these items:

  1. The Windows 8.1 test results.
  2. The DevFund INF test passes for Windows 8.
  3. The same binary is used in both projects.