Operating systems

Windows 11 uses Plug and Play hardware IDs, the Windows driver store, digital signatures, and Windows Update driver distribution. DCH describes a componentized package design, while Code 39 and Code 52 describe different loading or signature-related device states.

Windows 10 spans several generations of the Windows driver model and can use both older-style and DCH packages where publishers provide them. Windows Update, PC makers, and component makers may list different release versions because their catalogs have different validation scopes.

Windows 7 and Windows 8.1 no longer receive normal security servicing from Microsoft. Hardware released after their support periods may lack vendor drivers, and newer USB, NVMe, graphics, and platform controllers may not have packages for these operating systems.

Windows Server shares core driver architecture with related Windows client releases, but hardware vendors may publish a narrower supported-device list or separate server-qualified packages. Consumer product features and companion applications are not necessarily supported on Server editions.

Linux commonly supplies hardware support through in-kernel drivers plus separate firmware files. Kernel version, distribution packaging, firmware availability, and proprietary modules are distinct parts of the compatibility picture.

macOS includes drivers for Apple-supported hardware and provides DriverKit for many modern third-party system extensions. Kernel Extensions (Kexts) are an older kernel-space model. Specialized peripherals can depend on vendor software built for a particular macOS release.