Deploying Audio Processing Objects

The Windows audio engine supports third-party user-mode plugins for processing audio. These are called "audio processing objects." The correct .inf class to use for drivers that install audio processing objects is different depending on the version of Windows.

Deploying to Windows 11 and later

For Windows 11 21H2 build 22000 and later, all audio processing objects must be marked as Class=AudioProcessingObject. Shipping labels which deploy audio processing objects to Windows 11 21H2 and later with an incorrect .inf class are subject to rejection.

Deploying to Windows 10

For Windows 10, all audio processing objects must be marked as Class=SoftwareComponent.

• Shipping labels which deploy audio processing objects to Windows 10 with an incorrect .inf class are subject to rejection.

• Users have the option to upgrade their Windows 10 machines to Windows 11. Any shipping label that deploys an audio processing object to Windows 10 machines must have an OS ceiling to prevent the driver from being deployed to Windows 11 machines. Partners must also publish a second corresponding shipping label, with an OS floor of Windows 11 21H2, which deploys a Class=AudioProcessingObject driver package to the same HWIDs and CHIDs.

What to do if your shipping label is rejected

See Appeal a rejected audio driver