Short for
Windows Hardware Quality Labs, a
Microsoft facility that tests and certifies third-party
hardware and
driver products for compatibility with
Windows operating systems. Products that meet the compatibility requirements are then allowed to display Windows logos on product packaging, advertising and collateral and other marketing materials, indicating that the product has met the standards of Microsoft and that the product has been designed to work with the Windows operating systems.
Once a product has received the WHQL logo it is listed on the Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List.