Microsoft is pleased to share that we will release a refreshed HLK for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 to in October.  

This release of the HLK will contain fixes for test Errata which will help keep the overall test quality high while helping reduce triage time for known test issues. The refreshed version of the HLK will replace the RTM version that is available on the HLK download site. Partners can submit to WHCP using either the RTM version of the HLK for Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 or the refreshed HLK so long as passing results can be obtained (waivers acceptable).

Errata that are fixed in the refreshed version are expected to be expired 90 days after the release of the refreshed HLK. As we transition into this servicing model, which maintains overall test quality and reduces dependency on errata, we acknowledge that the refreshed HLK may not address all scenarios. If any errata remain relevant after using the refreshed HLK, please contact CSS for assistance. For more details, please review the Frequently Asked Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What HLK version is being refreshed?

The HLK released in May 2024 to support certifying drivers for Windows 11, version 24H2 and Windows Server 2025. For the following FAQ’s, the May 2024 release will be referenced to as RTM HLK and the upcoming release in October will be referenced as Refresh HLK.

How can I tell what version of the HLK I have?

The distinction between RTM HLK and Refreshed HLK will be in the last digits of the HLK studio version, 10.1.26100.X

The RTM HLK Studio version is 10.1.26100.1
The Refresh HLK Studio version is 10.1.26100.X

The HLK Studio version information can be located by clicking ‘About’ in the upper right corner of studio

How do I install the Refreshed version of the HLK?

Visit the HLK download page: Windows Hardware Lab Kit | Microsoft Learn
Download the Refreshed HLK
Run HLKSetup.exe

Notes

Ensure your current HLK projects are finished before attempting to use the same system for the HLK Refresh.
The Refreshed HLK cannot be installed on a system that already has the RTM HLK, this goes for both Controller and Client. It is highly recommended to start with a clean install of the OS for both.

How can I tell if the Errata I use was fixed in the Refreshed HLK?

The list of Errata fixed is available below

What do I do if the Errata I use doesn’t appear to be fixed in the Refreshed HLK?

If the Errata is not on the fixed list the waiver can be used on both the RTM HLK as well as the Refreshed HLK

What do I do if the Errata I use is listed as fixed, but failures are still being seen in the test?

Triage the failure first, there have been cases where a test issue is fixed, and the failure is still present but its due to a driver issue that has the same failure message
Next Open a CSS case: Get support for Partner Center dashboard and HLK issues – Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn

How should I address a test that was passing on the RTM HLK but now failing on the refreshed HLK?

Triage the failure first, there have been cases where a test issue is fixed, and the failure is still present but its due to a driver issue that has the same failure message
Next Open a CSS case: Get support for Partner Center dashboard and HLK issues – Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn

Going forward, will Microsoft be updating the HLK regularly?

Yes, Microsoft is transitioning into this servicing model for the HLK, which maintains overall test quality and reduces dependency on errata.

How often are these refresh releases expected?​

Current plan is to evaluate releasing a refreshed HLK each quarter. ​

Does this update apply to client and server?

Yes

Can results from an RTM test run and a Refreshed test run be merged and used for submission?

No, submission must be completed with either the RTM or Refreshed HLK.

Will the refreshed HLK continue to support merged packages for multiple-OS submissions?

Yes

Is the VHLK also going to be updated?

Yes

Errata Fixed in the October 24’ Refresh

ID
Title
Job/Task Failing

91345
[HLK Errata] AudioLogo (system) enforces channel count on default mode
System Audio – Audio Logo Test

127433
[Auto-triage] New binary with endpoint stabilization delay
Audio Codec – Lullaby Test – Certification – Desktop

161095
[HLK Errata]: Voice Clarity Driver Timestamp Test requires small mic spk stream drift
Voice Clarity HLK Test Driver Timestamp

163288
[HLK Errata] Validation of UVC MJPG Translation Opt-in always fails for UVC IR Camera
Camera Driver System Test – Validation of UVC MJPG Translation Opt-in

163289
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver Registration Test IMFSampleAllocator check fails on Platform DMFT
Camera Driver Registration, Metadata, and Dependency System

164528
[HLK Errata] DF – PNP tests failure with Failed to open the EDT device (device specific)
Multiple

164532
[HLK Errata] Driver Isolation DV failures for serial.sys accessing SERIALCOMM registry key.
DV – EnumerateEvents

164702
[HLK Errata] Driver Isolation DV failures for wudfrd.sys accessing SERIALCOMM registry key.
DV – EnumerateEvents

167195
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver Registration Test IMFSampleAllocator check fails on Platform DMFT
Camera Driver Registration, Metadata, and Dependency System

167196
[HLK Errata] [Camera Driver Controls System Test – Framerate Throttle – Verify Mode Switching] – Does not account for Step Sizes
Camera Driver Controls System Test – Framerate Throttle – Verify Mode Switching

167197
[HLK Errata] Sensor Camera Profiles – Photo Sequence with MEP Camera fails
Sensor Camera Driver Controls System Test – CAMERA_PROFILES – Photo Sequence

167453
[HLK Errata] Media Capture TestFrameExposureControlWithCapture uses wrong Table Entry
TestFrameExposureControlWithCapture

167494
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver Controls System Test – VFR – Verify correct Pin fails for MEP devices
Camera Driver Controls System Test – VFR – Verify correct Pin fails for MEP devices

167738
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – TestInfraredTorchControlMetadata fails for filtered Legacy Profile
Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – TestInfraredTorchControlMetadata

167884
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – ValidateExposureCompensationValues fails due to IR camera
Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – ValidateExposureCompensationValues

168217
Human Presence Proximity Test Failing on Non Human Presence based Proximity Sensors
Human Presence capable Proximity Sensor Enumeration Property Verification Test

168478
[HLK Errata] [NdisStudio] NDIS keyword validation tests are listed under incorrect feature, causing failures for devices not advertising NDIS
[NdisStudio] NdisPoll keyword validation
[NdisStudio] NdisPoll keyword functional validation

168710
[HLK Errata] Display Capture Tests failing for Indirect Display devices
Display capture tests

170424
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – Digital Window Metadata fails for combined IR RGB Sensor Group
Camera Driver System Test – MediaCapture – Digital Window Metadata

171184
[HLK Errata] [NdisStudio] OidRequestTest – OID_GEN_XMIT_OK and OID_GEN_RCV_OK Verification test fail when link speed is less than 1Gbps
[NdisStudio] OidRequestTest – OID_GEN_XMIT_OK and OID_GEN_RCV_OK Verification

173553
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver Hardware Privacy Manual Test fails due to Kill Switch behavior
Camera Driver Hardware Privacy Manual Test

173718
[HLK Errata] NDISTest 6.5 – [2 Machine] – PM_PowerStateTransition & PM_WolMagicPacket & PM_WolPattern test fail
NDISTest 6.5 – [2 Machine] – PM_PowerStateTransition
NDISTest 6.5 – [2 Machine] – PM_WolMagicPacket
NDISTest 6.5 – [2 Machine] – PM_WolPattern

173736
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver Controls System Test – VIDEOSTABILIZATION – Iterate through possible settings while Preview fails with MEP due to Pin re-mapping
Camera Driver Controls System Test – VIDEOSTABILIZATION – Iterate through possible settings while Preview

175039
[HLK Manual Errata]: NDIS test failed due to the certificate in HLK Studio is out of date
[NdisStudio] OidRequestTest – OID_GEN_VENDOR_DRIVER_VERSION Verification
[NdisStudio] OidRequestTest – OID_GEN_VENDOR_ID Verification
[NdisStudio] OidRequestTest – OID_GEN_XMIT_OK and OID_GEN_RCV_OK Verification
[Network Adapter] Verification for network

177219
[HLK Errata] Camera Driver System Test – Mediacapture – TestEffectOptInCameraEnumeration does not check regkey value
Camera Driver System Test – Mediacapture – TestEffectOptInCameraEnumeration

177825
[ERRATUM] KS Topology Test Fails Custom Audio Modes
System Audio – KS Topology Test

179949
[HLK Errata] Camera Control Pin Verification Tests failing due to MEP Pin remapping
Sensor Camera Driver Controls System Test – * – Verify correct Pin

181916
[HLK Errata] Driver Isolation DV failures for snxpsamd.sys accessing SERIALCOMM registry key.
DV – EnumerateEvents

184662
[HLK Manual Errata]: A crash with exception code 0xC0000005 occurred when running InternalPanel – Common color profile problems test
InternalPanel – Common color profile problems

188557
AutoTriage: HLK USB Secure Camera Controller Dual BDF Test – Compat test failure.
USB Secure Camera Controller Dual BDF Test – Compat

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