Windows Hardware Compatibility List

ID: Q131900

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

The Windows Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) contains a list of computer systems and peripherals that are compatible with Windows. The HCL can be found on the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Labs Web site at:

http://www.microsoft.com/hwtest/


MORE INFORMATION

The HCL is also included with the Windows 95 Support Assistant. For information about obtaining the Windows 95 Support Assistant, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

ARTICLE-ID: 134363 134363
TITLE : Windows 95 Support Assistant Available

Installing New Drivers from the HCL

If the driver is in the disk or CD-ROM version of Windows, follow these steps:
  1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, then click Control Panel.


  2. Double-click the Add New Hardware icon.


  3. Follow the instructions on your screen.


TIP: We recommend that you let Windows detect the new hardware. Make sure you have connected the hardware or installed its components in your computer before you run the Add New Hardware Wizard.

If the driver is available on an online service, follow these steps:
  1. Download the driver to a disk from the online service.


  2. In My Computer or Windows Explorer, double-click the file you down- loaded to extract it.


  3. Click the Start button, point to Settings, then click Control Panel.


  4. Double-click the Add New Hardware icon. When you are prompted "Do you want Windows to search for your new hardware?" click No.


  5. Click the hardware type for the driver you are installing.


  6. Click the Have Disk button.


  7. Enter the location of the driver file.


  8. Follow the instructions on your screen.


Upgrading Existing Drivers with HCL Drivers

  1. Download the driver to a disk from the online service.


  2. Use the right mouse button to click My Computer, then click Properties on the menu that appears.


  3. Click the Device Manager tab, then double-click the device type and device you want to upgrade.


  4. Click the Driver tab, then click the Change Driver button.


  5. Click the Have Disk button.


  6. Enter the location of the driver file.


  7. When you are prompted to insert the software installation disk, enter the location of the driver file.


  8. Follow the instructions on your screen.


Adding Devices/Drivers to the HCL

Hardware vendors who want to add devices or drivers to the HCL should follow the instructions in the "Microsoft Compatibility Labs - Program Overview" document. You can obtain this document by calling (425) 635-2222 and entering document number 879.

Additional query words: whql 


Keywords          : win95 win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbinfo

Last Reviewed: January 20, 1999