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The Windows Hardware Lab Kit (Windows HLK) is a test framework used to test hardware devices and drivers for Windows 11, Windows 10 and all versions of Windows Server starting with Windows Server 2016. To qualify for theWindows Hardware Compatibility Program, your product must pass certain tests using the Windows HLK.
This guide provides information about the tests that are included in the Windows Hardware Lab Kit, and instructions on how to build a test environment, automate driver and system testing, and create a submission package required to participate in theWindows Hardware Compatibility Program.
If you are developing for Windows 11, Windows 10 or qualified versions of Windows Server, you must use the correct version of the HLK, as listed in the following table. Using the correct kit helps you ensure that the drivers and the system you develop are certified as compatible with Windows 11, Windows 10 or Windows Server.
Note
Certify using the Virtual HLK (VHLK)! The VHLK is the entire Hardware Lab Kit pre-installed and pre-configured on a VHDX, ready to boot as a virtual machine. Use the VHLK to save setup time, quickly stand up a controller, and run Windows Hardware Certification from a virtual machine.
Important
Updated HLK Kits Available
Due to asecurity vulnerability in third-party infrastructure used in the HLK build process, the following HLK releases have been refreshed to resolve the issue:
| To certify... | Download... | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows 11, version 26H1 | Windows HLK for Windows 11, version 26H1 or Virtual HLK (VHLK) for Windows 11, version 26H1 | |
| Windows 11, version 25H2 | Windows HLK for Windows 11, version 25H2 or Virtual HLK (VHLK) for Windows 11, version 25H2 | |
| Windows Server 2025 | Windows HLK (Updated September 2025) for Windows Server 2025 or Virtual HLK (VHLK) for Windows Server 2025 | |
| Windows 11, version 24H2 | Windows HLK (Updated September 2025) for Windows 11, version 24H2 or Virtual HLK (VHLK) for Windows 11, version 24H2 | |
| Windows 11, version 23H2 and 22H2 | Windows HLK for Windows 11 23H2 and 22H2 | |
| Windows Server 2022 | Windows HLK for Windows Server 2022 | |
| Windows 10, version 22H2 | Windows HLK for Windows 10, version 22H2 | |
| Windows Server 2019 | Windows HLK for Windows Server 2019 | |
| Windows Server 2016 | Windows HLK for Windows Server 2016 |
Note
Windows HLK only supports testing on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server versions beginning with Windows Server 2016. For testing previous versions of Windows, use theHardware Certification Kit for Windows 8.1.
To qualify for the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, your product must pass certain tests using the Windows HLK.For guidance on which kit to use for compatibility certification, see theWindows Hardware Compatibility Program and theWindows Hardware Certification Blog.
Important
Certification for Windows Server 2016, Azure Stack, SDDC, and later versions of these programs and qualifications must meet the Windows Hardware Compatibility Requirements as stated in the respective version of the documentation; must use the corresponding version of the HLK with matching playlist and supplemental content to generate logs; and must follow policies as stated in the Windows Server Policy document. Questions about the Azure Stack, SDDC programs, or how to submit the results for solution validation should be directed to the appropriate Microsoft technical account manager or partner management contact.
Get the official Windows Hardware Compatibility playlist so you can run the Windows HLK tests that ensure your hardware meets the requirements for compatibility with Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server.
When there is a problem in either a Windows HLK test or in the operating system itself that causes certification tests to fail incorrectly, we create an errata that allows partners to bypass the problematic test. Most errata use filters to automatically filter the failure from the submission results. Filters are applied within Windows HLK Studio.
Supplemental test content downloads are required for some tests related to graphics, media, and mean time between failures (MTBF). Download these files to complete Windows HLK testing in these areas.
Required downloads for tests that use supplemental content:
HLK_DXVA.iso (Windows 10, version 1803)
HLK_HMFT.iso (Windows 10, version 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004)
HLK_HMFT.iso (Windows 10, version 1607, 1703, 1709, and 1803)
HLK_PERF.iso (Windows 10, version 1607, 1703, 1709, 1803, 1809, 1903, 1909, and 2004)
Note
Starting with Windows HLK, version 2004, the HLK_GRFX_FOD package is no longer needed for Graphics testing. It is still required for testing previous versions of Windows (Windows 10 , versions 1909 and earlier).
Note
Starting with Windows HLK, version 25H2, the HLK_PERF.iso media is no longer needed for testing. It is still required for testing previous versions of Windows (Windows 11, versions 24H2 and earlier).
The most recent documentation can be obtained by clicking the "Download PDF" button located near the bottom of the sidebar.