Abbreviated as HCL, the Hardware Compatibility List is a list of products maintained by Microsoft that note devices that have been tested for compatibility with Windows Vista or XP.
For Windows Vista, devices that have been tested and found to provide the best experience are are marked with logos stating they are “Certified For Windows Vista”. The Hardware Compatibility List will also note those products that have been tested to pass Microsoft standards of compatibility, reliability and security and will work with all PCs running Windows Vista. These devices will normally show an image that states “Works With Windows Vista”.
For Windows XP those hardware products and devices that meet or exceed standards of quality and compatibility with the Microsoft Windows XP operating system are marked with “Designed for Microsoft Windows XP”.
