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The Windows Hardware Lab Kit (Windows HLK) for Windows 10 is an evolution of the Windows Logo Kit (WLK) and the Windows Hardware Certification Kit (Windows HCK). Use it to help your company deliver systems, software, and hardware products that are compatible with Windows and run reliably on Windows 10 for desktop editions (Home, Pro, and Enterprise) and Windows Server 2016. Like previous versions, the tests in Windows HLK for Windows 10 enable you to take advantage of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (formerly the Hardware Certification Program). After passing certain tests, the program allows you to use the Windows logo as part of your marketing.
If you’re developing for Windows 10, you need the latest Windows HLK. This kit helps you ensure that the drivers and the system you develop are certified as compatible with Windows 10.
The HLK is also available to Windows Insiders.
To support the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, Windows HLK is still available for Windows 10, version 1607, as well as Windows 10, version 1703.
For guidance on which kit to use for Windows Compatibility certification, see the Windows Hardware Certification Blog.
Note: Windows HLK for Windows 10 does not support testing with previous versions of Windows. For testing previous version of Windows, download the HCK for Windows 8.1.
Important: Certification for Windows Server 2016, Azure Stack, and SDDC must continue to meet the Windows Hardware Compatibility Requirements as stated in version 1607 of documentation, must use version 1607 of the HLK (build 14393) 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 or 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.
Watch this video to learn more about playlists
Windows HLK for Windows 10, version 1703, must be used with the Windows Hardware Compatibility playlist and supplemental test content for Windows 10, version 1703. Windows HLK for Windows 10, version 1607, must be used with the Hardware Compatibility playlist and supplemental test content for Windows 10, version 1607.
The supplemental content applies to PCS Tests for Device and Solutions.
This supplement content package is required to pass the Device and Solutions PCS Tests. After you download this package, follow these steps to install these files on your Windows HLK Controller prior to running the tests:
Additional supplemental 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:
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 10.
Note: The Windows Hardware Certification Kit (Windows HCK) is not for use with Windows 10. If you are developing hardware or drivers for Windows 10, you need the new Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) for Windows 10.
Windows HCK has tools, guidelines, and support information to help you get your hardware certified. Tests are now categorized into different phases of product development, so you can find certification issues throughout the product development cycle. Learn what's new in Windows HCK for Windows 8.1.
Some tests, like network media or DXVA or HMFT multimedia, need additional files for testing. You might need to download these to complete your certification testing.
We no longer provide standalone QFE update packages. Instead, each update of the kit includes all previous QFE packages.
Certify your device running Windows 8.1 or Windows 7 with Windows HCK 2.1. (Windows HCK 2.0 is now retired and no further submissions will be accepted using that kit.) You can also use Windows HCK 2.1 to test Windows Server releases spanning from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012.
If you’ve already started certifying a device using Windows HCK, you’ll need to install the QFE by running HCKSetup again.
Some tests, like network media or DXVA or HMFT multimedia, need additional files for testing. You might need to download these to complete your certification testing.
When there's a problem with an HCK test, we create an errata that lets partners pass the test that's causing issues. Get the latest HCK filters for the tests you need to run for your product.
