I am an independent Windows driver developer and I am no longer able to update my existing drivers or submit new ones. The reason is that Microsoft has removed my access to the "Hardware" portion of their "Partner" portal. There are many others that seem to have the same problem. Most of us have submitted multiple support requests to Microsoft trying to rectify the problem, but without much success so far.

Here is a relevant discussion at a popular Windows driver developer forum:

https://community.osr.com/t/locked-out-of-microsoft-partner-center-driver-submission-page

It is not clear whether this is a new Microsoft policy or just a problem on their portal. Either way it effectively locks out multiple 3rd party drivers from the Windows kernel. Even if a developer has a driver with a critical problem such as a crash or CVE they are no longer able to update their driver.

I am posting here to raise awareness on this issue. My hope is that this is not a new Microsoft policy and someone within Microsoft will realize there is a problem and fix it.