Windows Vista Winload OS Loader (winload.exe)
Windows Vista Winload OS Loader (winload.exe), from Microsoft Corporation, holds FIPS 140-2 certificate #979 at overall level 1. The validation is historical: agencies may keep the module in existing systems but not buy it new. Below are its validation history, algorithm certificates and security policy, drawn from the NIST CMVP entry.
Caveat: When operated in FIPS mode with Boot Manager (bootmgr) validated to FIPS 140-2 under Cert. #978 operating in FIPS mode
Certificate
| Certificate number | 979 |
|---|---|
| Standard | FIPS 140-2 |
| Status | historical |
| Overall level | 1 |
| Module type | Software |
| Embodiment | Multi-chip standalone |
| Vendor | Microsoft Corporation · website |
| Software versions | 6.0.6001.18000, 6.0.6001.18027, 6.0.6001.18606, 6.0.6001.22125, 6.0.6001.22861, 6.0.6002.18005, 6.0.6002.18411 and 6.0.6002.22596 |
Module description
Quoted from the NIST CMVP entry for this certificate.
This is the OS loader. It loads the boot-critical driver image files and the OS kernel image file itself.
Approved algorithms (3)
Other algorithms
MD5
Tested configurations
- Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition SP1 (x64 version) (single-user mode)
- Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate Edition SP1 (x86 Version)
Validation history
| Date | Type | Lab |
|---|---|---|
| 2008-07-21 | Initial | SAIC-VA |
| 2009-07-29 | Update | |
| 2011-10-17 | Update | SAIC-VA |
Status timeline
As observed by this tracker's snapshots. NIST publishes no dates for list moves; observation began 2026-08-21, so earlier changes carry no date.
- 2026-08-21: first observed by this tracker, status historical
- Validation dates on record: 2008-07-21, 2009-07-29, 2011-10-17