Microsoft’s Major Updates on Windows Drivers
This week, Microsoft announced significant changes regarding Windows drivers for hardware, marking a shift in its approach to device compatibility and certification. The company is phasing out Device Metadata and the Windows Metadata and Internet Services (WMIS), signaling the end of an era for these features. Concurrently, an update concerning driver signing has also been disclosed. For an in-depth exploration, our detailed article contains all relevant information.
Introduction of New HLK and VHLK Releases
In addition to the aforementioned changes, Microsoft introduced refreshed versions of the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) and the Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) slated for release in May 2025. These updates will replace the original RTM version launched in May 2024. The announcement states:
Microsoft is pleased to announce that a refreshed HLK for Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 is available starting May 6, 2025.
This release of the HLK contains test errata fixes, HLK test removals, and HLK test additions. All these changes will help keep the overall test quality high while helping reduce triage time for known test issues.
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The refreshed version of the HLK will replace the RTM version that is available on the HLK download site. The VHLK version will be available in a week.
Understanding HLK and VHLK
For those unfamiliar with the terminology, the Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) is a crucial tool that assists hardware vendors in validating compatibility and navigating the driver certification process. The term “errata”in this context refers to errors or issues that could lead to certification test failures, even when the hardware or drivers are fully compatible.
On the other hand, the Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) caters specifically to virtual environments, including virtual hard disks (VHDs) and virtual machines (VMs).Both HLK and VHLK are integral components of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP), a framework that supports hardware manufacturers and Microsoft partners in rigorously testing and confirming the compatibility of their hardware and drivers with Windows 10 and 11 platforms.
New Features in Updated HLK
The latest HLK release introduces several new testing protocols, including support for Bluetooth LE Audio and enhancements for Generation 2 virtual machines within the VHLK framework. To delve deeper into the updates and changes, click here to read the official Microsoft Tech Community blog post.
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