Microsoft Cracks Down on Old Windows Kernel Drivers

Microsoft cracks down on old Windows kernel drivers

: Cross-signed code gets the cold shoulder as Redmond tightens trust

A critical Windows security fix puts legacy hardware on borrowed time

Microsoft is finally blocking a long-since retired program that it said led to “abuse and credential theft,” yet remained widely trusted for years. Beginning in April, Redmond will remove trust for kernel drivers that haven’t been vetted through its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). The company is specifically targeting kernel drivers signed by the now defunct cross-signed root program.  But while this closes a security hole, Micros…

Microsoft removes trust for drivers signed with the cross-signed driver program – OSnews

Today, we’re excited to announce a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to Windows security and system reliability: the removal of trust for all kernel drivers signed by the deprecated cross-signed root program. This update will help protect our customers by ensuring that only kernel drivers that the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) have passed and been signed can be loaded by default. To raise the bar for platform sec…

Windows 11 Will No Longer Trust Old Drivers by Default Under New Kernel Policy

Microsoft is finally updating its long-standing kernel policy, which previously allowed old drivers with expired certificates to run and be trusted by the Windows 11 NT Kernel. This change means that Microsoft's early 2000s program for cross-signing root programs as valid will no longer function. This program had enabled NT Kernel-trusted code signing programs to execute even after their certificates expired. As a result, third-party driver deve…

Windows is finally fixing a years-old security hole in April

In April 2026, Microsoft is blocking old kernel drivers in Windows, closing a vulnerability that's been exploited for years. Here's what that means for you.

Microsoft tells crusty old kernel drivers to get with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program

Cross-signed code gets the cold shoulder as Redmond tightens trust Microsoft is removing trust for kernel drivers that haven't been through the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) in a bid to further secure the Windows kernel. . . .