---
layout: doc
title: Certified Hardware
permalink: /doc/certified-hardware/
redirect_from:
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 - /doc/certified-laptops/
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---

# Certified Hardware #

## Important Information ##
There is currently **no** specific hardware (e.g., specific laptop model) that the Qubes team recommends for individual users.
However, we're working hard to make a "reasonably secure laptop" a reality, and we look forward to sharing more information about this when the time is right.
(Note that this will be distinct from a [stateless laptop], which no one has implemented yet.)
In the meantime, users are encouraged to make use of the [Hardware Compatibility List] and [System Requirements] as sources of information in making hardware selection decisions.
Serious prospective business customers should [contact us] for more information.

## Hardware Certification ##

### Become Hardware Certified ###
If you are a hardware vendor, you can have your hardware certified as compatible with Qubes OS.
The benefits of hardware certification include:

* Your customers can purchase with confidence, knowing that they can take full advantage of Qubes OS on your hardware.
* Your hardware will continue to be compatible with Qubes OS as it further develops.
* You can support the development of Qubes OS.

### Hardware Certification Requirements ###
Please see the [updated requirements] for Qubes 4.x certification.
(Please note that these are the requirements for hardware *certification*, *not* the requirements for *running* Qubes 4.x.
For the latter, please see the [system requirements for Qubes 4.x].)

### Hardware Certification Process ###
To have hardware certified, the vendor must:

1. Send the Qubes team two (2) units for testing (non-returnable) for each configuration the vendor wishes to be offering.
2. Offer to customers the very same configuration (same motherboard, same screen, same BIOS version, same Wi-Fi module, etc.) for at least one year.
3. Pay the Qubes team a flat monthly rate, to be agreed upon between the hardware vendor and the Qubes team.

It is the vendor's responsibility to ensure the hardware they wish to have certified can run Qubes OS, at the very least the latest stable version.
This could be done by consulting the [Hardware Compatibility List] or trying to install it themselves before shipping any units to us.
While we are willing to troubleshoot simple issues, we will need to charge a consulting fee for more in-depth work.

If you are interested in having your hardware certified, please [contact us].

## Qubes-certified Laptops ##
Qubes-certified laptops are regularly tested by the Qubes developers to ensure compatibility with all of Qubes' features.
The developers test all new major versions and updates to ensure that no regressions are introduced.
Unfortunately, there are currently no certified laptops for Qubes R3.x or R4.x.
This page will be updated once certified laptops are available.
For more general information about choosing hardware for Qubes, please see the [System Requirements] and the [Hardware Compatibility List].

We aim to partner with a select few computer vendors to ensure that Qubes users have reliable hardware purchasing options.
We aim for these vendors to be as diverse as possible in terms of geography, cost, and availability.
Note, however, that we certify only that a particular hardware *configuration* is *supported* by Qubes.
We take no responsibility for our partners' manufacturing or shipping processes, nor can we control whether physical hardware is modified (whether maliciously or otherwise) *en route* to the user.

To learn more about the certification process, or if you're interested in having your company's hardware certified, please see the [Hardware Certification] section.


[stateless laptop]: https://blog.invisiblethings.org/2015/12/23/state_harmful.html
[System Requirements]: /doc/system-requirements/
[Hardware Compatibility List]: /hcl/
[Hardware Certification]: #hardware-certification
[updated requirements]: /news/2016/07/21/new-hw-certification-for-q4/
[system requirements for Qubes 4.x]: /doc/system-requirements/#qubes-release-4x
[contact us]: mailto:business@qubes-os.org