微软发布了Vista在驱动签名方面与XP的差别比较。XP中，驱动被分为3个级别：

　　1. In-box drivers are given first preference.

　　2. Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) signed drivers next.

　　3. Unsigned drivers are given lowest preference.

　　而Vista则大大扩展为8个分级：

　　1. Microsoft signed WHQL Certified Drivers.

　　2. Microsoft signed in-box drivers (NT Build Lab Certified).

　　3. Microsoft signed Windows Sustained Engineering Certified drivers.

　　4. Drivers that have been signed using Authenticode (Enterprise CA).

　　5. Drivers that have been signed using Authenticode (Class 3 CA Certified).

　　6. Drivers that have been signed using Authenticode (MAKECERT.EXE Certified).

　　7. Microsoft signed WHQL Certified drivers for a down level Windows Operating system.

　　8. Unsigned Drivers.

　　当驱动被安装时，这些行为判断结果会记录在setupapi.dev.log日志文件中。