- VHLK is a preconfigured HLK on VHDX, ready to boot into a VM.
- To certify you must align the HLK version with the target OS.
- Recent revisions add tests (e.g., LE Audio) and correct typos.
- Playlists, filters, and add-on ISOs streamline submissions.
When working with drivers and devices for WindowsYou will hear a lot about VHLK and HLK. The Virtual Windows Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK) is basically a pre-prepared HLK in a bootable VHDX image., and you can create and configure the VM in Hyper‑V to get it up and running quickly, while the traditional HLK is the testing framework you install on a server. Both revolve around the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program and, when used properly, save you time, headaches, and hassles.
In this guide we get straight to the point: What is VHLK, how does it differ from HLK, what versions do you need to certify, what's new in the latest revisions?, and how to quickly deploy it virtually with Hyper‑V. You'll also see key aspects such as Test playlists, filters (errata), additional content (ISOs), network and security requirements and settings which often make the difference between a clean shipment and a long night of debugging.
What is Windows Virtual Hardware Lab Kit (VHLK)?
VHLK is the most straightforward way to start testing without setting up a server from scratch: This is a complete hardware lab kit, pre-installed and pre-configured in a VHDX, ready to start as a virtual machine. With it you can save the HLK driver installation phase, get the environment up and running Windows Hardware Certification directly from a VM.
Among its advantages: It is ready to boot and use, running the HLK driver as a virtual machine And allows Host the HLK Controller VM on developer machines (possible with nested virtualization in Hyper‑V) instead of using dedicated hardware. If you prefer to follow a guided onboarding, Microsoft's own documentation recommends consulting the VHLK Introductory Guide with practical notes.
Practical details worth knowing: The VHLK is distributed as a 64-bit VHDX and Microsoft has occasionally published specific guidance for specific guests (for example, recommendations for Windows 10, version 1903, as a guest VM). Additionally, the system languages of the VM and the environment can influence studio operations and component support.
HLK vs VHLK and the Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP)
The Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) is the Microsoft's official testing framework for drivers and devices de Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows Server (from 2016 onwards). For qualify for the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, products must pass HLK test batteries and submit the results as a shipping package.
The VHLK offers the same purpose but in virtualized format: is designed for environments with VMs and automated labs, eliminating the need to dedicate physical hardware just for the kit's controller. Simply put: HLK is the “what” (the framework and tests) and VHLK is the “fast how” (the virtual distribution ready to boot).
To certify, it is critical Use the correct HLK version depending on the target OS. Microsoft maintains a version alignment; in simple terms, if you try an unsupported combination, you don't start the testsHere's a practical rewritten summary of the certification version matrix:
| Certification objective | Recommended kit |
|---|---|
| Windows 11, version 24H2; Windows Server 2025 | Windows HLK 24H2 (updated July 2025) o VHLK 24H2 (updated July 2025) |
| Windows 11, versions 23H2 and 22H2 | Windows 11 HLK 23H2 / HLK 22H2 |
| Windows Server 2022 | Windows HLK for Windows Server 2022 |
| Windows 10 22H2, 21H2, 21H1, 20H2 and 2004 | Windows HLK for Windows 10, version 2004 |
| Windows 10 1809; Windows Server 2019 | Windows HLK 1809 |
| Windows Server 2016 | Windows HLK 1607 |
Beyond the kit version, Microsoft publishes resources that make your life easier: the WHCP official playlists, to run exactly the HLK tests needed per category, and the filters (errata) for HLK, which allow tests with false positives or recognized problems to be justifiably omitted, being applied directly from HLK Studio.
You also need, in some groups, supplementary test content (ISOs) to complete media, graphics, or MTBF testing. Microsoft provides images as HLK_DXVA.iso, HLK_HMFT.iso y HLK_PERF.iso in variants that cover Windows 11 (21H2/22H2/23H2/24H2) and multiple versions of Windows 10 (1607 → 2004, 1903, 1909, 1803, 1809)If a test requires it, mount the appropriate ISO so that the case passes reliably.
Relevant news from recent reviews
Microsoft has refreshed the HLK and VHLK for Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025, replacing the original RTM of May 2024. In the communication of the May 6th 2025 and subsequent updates, it is highlighted that these revisions include Correction of test errors, removal of obsolete cases, and addition of new sets that improve quality., reducing the triage of known errors.
Two improvements are particularly noteworthy: New tests for Bluetooth LE Audio (relevant for validation of latest generation audio devices) and Better support and performance with Generation 2 virtual machines on VHLK, which streamlines fully virtualized labs and automated deployments.
Important for compliance: Refreshed versions replace previous ones. If you depend on HLK/VHLK for WHQL signatures (or for your own internal validations even if you use attestation for signing), you might want to migrate to these kits to maintain compatibility with current Windows 11 and Server builds. According to the notes, The updated VHLK is usually released shortly after the HLK, so keep an eye on the official page.
Together, these reviews help ensure that on launch day, devices and drivers work as expected, reducing surprises and tickets in production. For fine details, Microsoft refers to its official hardware blog and to the HLK/VHLK documentation.
Requirements, architecture and key documentation
A typical HLK environment consists of Controller, Studio and Client(s). Controller and Studio can coexist on the same machine, but Microsoft recommends that the server OS be Windows Server x64 in English (for compatibility with the kit and its dependencies). Clients are the target test systems (where you install the driver/device you are going to validate).
If you're leaning towards VHLK, take note of the recommended host resources: 8-core CPU with SLAT, minimum 8GB RAM, active virtualization in BIOS/UEFI, and about 120GB free space. Downloads the VHDX from the Evaluation Center from Microsoft, you plug it into a VM and boot it up; the profit is in There that you don't invest in installing and configuring manually.
HLK and VHLK documentation is kept alive. Microsoft publishes a PDF Download Center with the latest documentation ("Download PDF" button in the sidebar of the online doc), and specific sections for playlists, filters/errata y supplementary contentHaving them on hand saves you reprocessing.
Related to signing and shipping: With the changes in recent years, the Attestation firm (with EV) covers many cases without running HLK, but Overcoming HLK remains key to WHQL and ensuring true compatibility. Many manufacturers continue to adopt HLK for the depth and reliability of his tests, even when the primary motivation is not the signature.
Quick Start: HLK and VHLK Step by Step
If you choose the classic HLK installation, download the installer (usually called HLKSetup.exe). Helpful hint: rename it when downloading it if you manage multiple versions, because they share a name. During the wizard, choose Controller + Studio, accept open the ports necessary for Controller/Client communication and continues with the installation.
On modern HLKs targeting Windows 11, SQL Server 2019 is installed and configured automatically. If you are coming from older kits or have previous instances, uninstalls incompatible SQL versions before launching the setup to avoid conflicts. When you're done, you'll see HLK Studio in the start menu (Windows Kits) and you will be able to create and manage projects/tests.
If you choose VHLK, the flow is even simpler: on Hyper‑V, create an external virtual switch if you didn't have it, Create the VM and attach the VHDX from the VHLK as an existing disk. In the first Boot, you will be taken to the regional settings screen; then you can set the password for the HLKAdminUser user (do not use the Administrator for testing). Works in WORKGROUP if you don't have a domain, which speeds up pilots and small laboratories.
With the driver ready (installed or virtualized), the next milestone is the client. Microsoft documents the process as «Step 2: Install Client on the Test System(s)»; in essence, You install the HLK agent on the target systems, you join them to the project from Studio and you assign the appropriate playlist to run the relevant tests (and apply filters if applicable).
Hyper-V Lab Best Practices: Network, Security, and Performance
In virtual environments, the network is almost everything. In Hyper‑V, you have three types of virtual switches: external (output to the physical network/Internet), internal (VM↔host communication) and private (only between VMs). The Default Switch can get you out of trouble using NAT, but if you need policies, routes or direct access to the LAN, create and assign a well-tied external switch; for more details on the topology you can check the types of networks in Hyper‑V.
To segment, activate the Virtual LAN (VLAN) Identification on the VM's network adapter: Each VLAN separates traffic at a logical level. When you share a host with multiple teams and projects, limit bandwidth per VM helps prevent a saturated test from dragging down the rest of the lab.
Mark the optimizations of hardware acceleration when your NIC supports it: VMQ distributes the packet load between cores and IPsec offload Offloads encryption from the CPU to the NIC, improving latency and stability in intensive testing.
In network security, Hyper‑V offers pearls: MAC dynamic or static (set one if you need stable network rules), MAC spoofing for specific tests, and protections such as DHCP Guard, Router Guard y Protected network to root out inappropriate behavior on the virtual network. If you perform inspections, port reflection (source/destination) allows you to capture packets to a probe. And if you need resilience or throughput, NIC Teaming within the guest can be your ally.
At guest startup and security, use Safe start with the appropriate profile: Microsoft Windows for Windows VMs, Microsoft UEFI CA for most distros Linux y Open Source Shielded VM when you go to harden Linux. If the case requires it, enable TPM Interactive and the state and migration encryption to protect secrets and snapshots in transit; note that the full shielding disables management capabilities such as the console or PowerShell Straight away.
In memory, combines fixed allocation with dynamic memory to absorb peaks: define minimums/maximums and a buffer reasonable (e.g., 20%). With multiple VMs competing, adjust the memory weighting and CPU controls (reservation, limit, and priority) so that critics don't run out of resources. If the host is large, NUMA mark differences: respects topology to minimize memory jumps.
En storage, SCSI controller allows you to add VHD/VHDX disks and DVD drives (for mount ISOs like HLK_DXVA/HMFT/PERF when a test asks for it). Review the boot order in firmware to boot first from the ISO during guest installation and then from the disk. The checkpoints They are a lifesaver before weight changes, but remember they take up disk space; use them wisely and, in migration scenarios, you can clone virtual machine in Hyper‑V.
Finally, fine-tune the life cycle: decide the autostart action (boot on host power-up or not) and the action on shutdown (clean shutdown, save state, or disconnect). In shared labs, these settings prevent surprises and a VM from running in the background for no reason; in addition, you can automate the startup of virtual machines for repeatable scenarios.
If something goes wrong, start with the basics: sufficient resources (CPU/RAM/disk), check the Host Event Viewer to logs Hyper‑V/HLK, check the VHD/VHDX integrity, confirms that the VM is connected to the correct switch and try temporarily disabling the firewall to isolate connectivity issues. On OS installations, errors usually point to Corrupted ISOs or missing drivers.
Note of color: some articles covering the news of the HLK/VHLK refresh include hosting promotional blocks or widgets; do not influence the use of the kit, but it is worth focusing on the official Microsoft sources for versions, prerequisites and downloads.
Remember that you may need WHCP official playlists to execute exactly what you have to do, filters (typo) in HLK Studio to remove recognized errors, the Complementary ISOs for media/graphics/MTBF and the doc offline in PDF for offline viewing. And that VHLK is a very effective shortcut when you don't want (or can't) deploy a dedicated server just for the kit controller.
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