Microsoft is pleased to announce that a refreshed Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) for Windows 11, version 25H2, Windows 11, 26H1, and Windows Server 2025 is available starting November 4, 2026. This refreshed version replaces the previous version on the HLK Download site.
Partners may submit to the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) using either the previous version or the Oct refreshed version of HLK, provided passing results can be obtained (waivers acceptable).
What’s New
This release includes playlist updates for 25H2, 26H1, and Server. Changes include 43 test additions and 7 removals (25H2), 7 additions and 7 removals (26H1), and 2 removals (24H2 Server). All additions correspond to existing hardware requirements — no new WHCP requirements are being introduced. Key areas of change include Bluetooth (TAFE migration), HEVC/D3D12 playback validation, MITTI2C and MITTSPI bus interface tests, and graphics adapter compliance.
Preview Period for Playlist Changes
Starting with the last release, we introduced a preview period to give partners advance notice before new playlist requirements are enforced. This change is based on direct partner feedback requesting more preparation time for playlist updates.
How It Works
- November 4, 2026 — Playlist and Kit Available: The updated HLK kit and compatibility playlist will be published to MS Learn. Partners can download and begin testing against the new requirements immediately.
- November 4 – December 9, 2026 — Preview Period: During this window, the HDC submission system will continue using the previous playlist for enforcement. Partners will NOT be blocked by the new tests during this time. Use this period to deploy the updated kit, update your playlists, and validate your hardware.
- December 9, 2026 — Enforcement Begins: The HDC playlist will be updated. When the November Refresh kit and playlist are used for testing, all new tests will be enforced for submissions from this date forward.
- Additional information: Partners can continue to submit using RTM versions of the kit and RTM playlist.
What You Should Do
- Download the updated HLK kit and compat playlist from MS Learn when available on November 4th.
- Deploy the kit to your test environments.
- Run the new tests against your hardware to identify any issues before enforcement begins.
- If you encounter test failures, file feedback through the standard WHCP support channels.
- Ensure your submissions are updated and passing by December 9, 2026.
Important Notes
- The playlist published on Nov 4 is final. No changes will be made during the preview period.
- Submissions made during the preview period (Nov 4 – Dec 9) will NOT be evaluated against the new tests.
- After Dec 9, submissions missing required tests will follow standard enforcement (manual review or rejection).
25H2 Playlist Updates
Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
38f8b917-00d4-4394-8300-e49e11d71340 |
Bluetooth - 4LeSpecification (Reliability) |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
2887815e-4bec-44c8-b7a5-a78f0a861a78 |
Bluetooth - HciExtensions - Enhanced Controller Diagnostics (Development and Integration) |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
8be62a1f-1969-4046-bc88-a079da063555 |
Detect Malicious Software |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
b97fb72d-0f43-48e1-82e3-3af4c5bc96ca |
Test for EDID Requirements (Manual) |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
c4a40f2d-87c4-4a27-9a47-c3bc6367c22b |
Touchpad Haptics HID Descriptor Validation |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 25H2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 25H2 Full |
Added Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
Additional Information |
|
79cebcc5-8d0e-49d6-aca2-31addd53f588 |
Bluetooth - 4.0 Specification (2-Machine) |
Migrated to TAEF framework |
|
faf6358b-0863-42df-a95f-8b652a5af9f4 |
Bluetooth - L2CAP Performance (2-Machine) |
Migrated to TAEF framework |
|
30e16985-15b4-4048-af6a-eb58a70b2eb0 |
Bluetooth - LE Audio Broadcast (3-Machine) |
Migrated to TAEF framework |
|
af1a1399-b0d2-4782-8dae-2f12423731a1 |
D3D12 - Dawn End2End Tests |
New Chromium-focused graphics driver validation tests within existing Windows and DirectX graphics requirements |
|
346831f2-468b-4220-b13f-f7f496bc446c |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 48 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
41aded74-1f59-4694-8c6d-2ebc655691f5 |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 49 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
c37399cc-b3fd-4c02-9767-26da05c99ae2 |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 50 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
be126366-ec51-4687-93a9-cc17e94a3ec1 |
HEVC Playback test 48 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
130abb81-fdbc-42ff-8af1-d7877f268ae3 |
HEVC Playback test 49 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
73697eca-671a-42b4-9889-2f783b4ccd1f |
HEVC Playback test 50 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
72205ee4-decf-41f8-8646-9dae0d572507 |
MITTI2C BasicIOKernel |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
774bf853-aae2-4f1a-99a7-0650e7b82ec1 |
MITTI2C BasicIORead |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
97845f14-9a27-428a-9568-1959f6537114 |
MITTI2C BasicIOSequence |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
4968d46e-7999-4482-9b07-16999c9275d0 |
MITTI2C BasicIOWrite |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
01705206-a298-47a8-9f3f-691da1c7608c |
MITTI2C BusRecovery |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
9fee93f3-8f12-47d8-8d7f-b770e9d062f9 |
MITTI2C CancelRead |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
0a1a6003-90ee-449c-9e6d-129af7e51f93 |
MITTI2C CancelSequence |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
b6863753-fa6e-4e8f-846f-a9a26d9dde61 |
MITTI2C CancelWrite |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
c3e7de57-958a-4f17-a885-a11e82ea14be |
MITTI2C ClockStretching |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
d7adbfc3-e650-4be0-bdcd-8f2bb9446405 |
MITTI2C DeviceNACK |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
3a2f7055-4c33-47da-8d58-1a38ac3310e6 |
MITTI2C LockUnlock |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
f7412705-99a2-4ca1-ab9c-2a0d03c3544f |
MITTI2C PerfRead |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
31221b1b-15bf-486e-af13-933481a5422a |
MITTI2C PerfSequence |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
f0ee7dea-aafb-4b97-b6bb-367b46eee49d |
MITTI2C PerfWrite |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
27c2360a-f473-457b-b6f8-f89ccd2fba47 |
MITTI2C Power |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
f0744097-2f8d-44d8-b681-2653fd5305a5 |
MITTI2C Stress |
I2C bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
4c812eca-069b-43a1-b1b4-d7fae82b4408 |
MITTSPI BasicFullDuplex |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
495e0c8c-d2bc-40a7-9e59-c4439ab59e24 |
MITTSPI BasicIOKernel |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
f705fdd0-8d99-4030-a3f5-782265d971a1 |
MITTSPI BasicIORead |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
0d610181-6a58-4f88-9947-6a4fed658455 |
MITTSPI BasicIOSequence |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
b0c8b3a1-d74e-428f-a6c8-c329190a2798 |
MITTSPI BasicIOWrite |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
94301fab-3a16-403a-a557-de3ba4e5c9db |
MITTSPI CancelFullDuplex |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
1dafad19-35df-450b-b430-71aea505e245 |
MITTSPI CancelRead |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
67ffe1cc-79cd-4023-b45b-315d55d1bca2 |
MITTSPI CancelSequence |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
da562f6d-6ad5-4d63-bc3b-da83b40083ac |
MITTSPI CancelWrite |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
a459a690-4350-4510-ae40-14435f81109a |
MITTSPI LockUnlock |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
759ad7fd-ff00-467b-93dd-ef04bd7b5122 |
MITTSPI PerfFullDuplex |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
16f0cadf-f47e-4091-b9be-bb4b7914dd54 |
MITTSPI PerfRead |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
e6481502-d32b-4c54-8913-9d783537ac81 |
MITTSPI PerfSequence |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
00686ee1-b0cd-4068-8007-cc367725f81c |
MITTSPI PerfWrite |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
ed58287c-f1d3-46f1-b0ee-8d46002d3d65 |
MITTSPI Power |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
|
e9c4fbae-6385-4dff-a560-331f24fef036 |
MITTSPI Stress |
SPI bus interface test, missing from playlist and re-adding |
26H1 Playlist Updates
Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
38f8b917-00d4-4394-8300-e49e11d71340 |
Bluetooth - 4LeSpecification (Reliability) |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
2887815e-4bec-44c8-b7a5-a78f0a861a78 |
Bluetooth - HciExtensions - Enhanced Controller Diagnostics (Development and Integration) |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
8be62a1f-1969-4046-bc88-a079da063555 |
Detect Malicious Software |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
b97fb72d-0f43-48e1-82e3-3af4c5bc96ca |
Test for EDID Requirements (Manual) |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
c4a40f2d-87c4-4a27-9a47-c3bc6367c22b |
Touchpad Haptics HID Descriptor Validation |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 26H1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 26H1 Full |
Added Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
Additional Information |
|
346831f2-468b-4220-b13f-f7f496bc446c |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 48 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
41aded74-1f59-4694-8c6d-2ebc655691f5 |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 49 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
c37399cc-b3fd-4c02-9767-26da05c99ae2 |
D3D12 HEVC Playback test 50 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
9f351400-f4fa-42b1-8c53-7affb526ee78 |
GRFX Adapter - Unreleased Features Block |
Our new GRFX Adapter Unreleased Features Block Test will prevent graphics drivers from showing full support for unreleased features. Once a feature has been released, we will check that the system passes the corresponding HLK tests associated with the feature and remove it from the unreleased feature list. |
|
be126366-ec51-4687-93a9-cc17e94a3ec1 |
HEVC Playback test 48 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
130abb81-fdbc-42ff-8af1-d7877f268ae3 |
HEVC Playback test 49 |
Addresses regression gap |
|
73697eca-671a-42b4-9889-2f783b4ccd1f |
HEVC Playback test 50 |
Addresses regression gap |
Down-level Playlist Updates (Playlist Only, No New HLK Kit)
Playlist Name Changes
Arm64 playlists will be combined with the corresponding x86 and x64 playlists into a single playlist covering all supported Windows architectures. Arm64 emulation playlist filenames will also be standardized. These changes may break automation that relies on specific playlist filenames or casing. The following table maps the affected playlist filenames to their replacements.
|
Previous Playlist Filename(s) |
New Playlist Filename |
|
HLK Version 1709 CompatPlaylist x86_x64.xml, HLK Version 1709 CompatPlaylist ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1709 CompatPlaylist x86 x64 ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 1803 CompatPlaylist x86_x64.xml, HLK Version 1803 CompatPlaylist ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1803 CompatPlaylist x86 x64 ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 1809 CompatPlaylist x86_x64.xml, HLK Version 1809 CompatPlaylist ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1809 CompatPlaylist x86 x64 ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 1709 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86 on ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1709 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86_on_ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 1803 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86 on ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1803 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86_on_ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 1809 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86 on ARM64.xml |
HLK Version 1809 CompatPlaylist ARM64_x86_on_ARM64.xml |
|
HLK Version 21H2 CompatPlaylist x64 ARM64 server.xml |
HLK Version 21H2 CompatPlaylist x64 ARM64 Server.xml |
|
HLK Version 24H2 CompatPlaylist x64 ARM64 SERVER.xml |
HLK Version 24H2 CompatPlaylist x64 ARM64 Server.xml |
1607 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
b0f44f97-6884-4d9a-a875-dd522de1df01 |
PrintTicket Conformance Test |
Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS1 Full |
|
59c36ef2-9ec8-494e-bbaa-8fed2dacd376 |
PrintTicket Test |
Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS1 Full |
1703 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
b0f44f97-6884-4d9a-a875-dd522de1df01 |
PrintTicket Conformance Test |
Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS2 Full |
|
59c36ef2-9ec8-494e-bbaa-8fed2dacd376 |
PrintTicket Test |
Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 TH2 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS1 Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 RS2 Full |
1809 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS5 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS5 Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 RS5 Full Windows v10.0 Client x86 RS5 Full |
21H2 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
d23b4ecf-0de9-4bc3-a9f9-69eddc22e35f |
IPSec TOv2 Logo Test |
Windows v10.0 Server x64 FE Full |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests – Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 CO Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 CO Full |
23H2 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
057ab4db-e5f4-4ada-bf58-ddf259fe7303 |
Camera Driver Controls System Test - FACEDETECTION - Verify Default setting |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 NI Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 NI Full |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 NI Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 NI Full |
24H2 Removed Tests
|
GUID |
Test Name |
OSPlatforms |
|
38f8b917-00d4-4394-8300-e49e11d71340 |
Bluetooth - 4LeSpecification (Reliability) |
Windows v10.0 Server ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
2887815e-4bec-44c8-b7a5-a78f0a861a78 |
Bluetooth - HciExtensions - Enhanced Controller Diagnostics (Development and Integration) |
Windows v10.0 Server ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Server x64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
057ab4db-e5f4-4ada-bf58-ddf259fe7303 |
Camera Driver Controls System Test - FACEDETECTION - Verify Default setting |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
8be62a1f-1969-4046-bc88-a079da063555 |
Detect Malicious Software |
Windows v10.0 Client ARM64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
b97fb72d-0f43-48e1-82e3-3af4c5bc96ca |
Test for EDID Requirements (Manual) |
Windows v10.0 Server x64 GE Full Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
7ef01b28-b321-4683-b000-9135a1e0c8cf |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Discovery Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
|
d679f2e5-8338-4047-aaf0-aca975d06bb7 |
Wi-Fi Direct Service Pairing and Reconnect Tests - Functional |
Windows v10.0 Client x64 GE Full |
Troubleshooting and Known Issues
Issue: "Failed to open package. Could not open package: (hlkx filename)" when opening HLKX generated from this release on separate system.
Submission packages from this release are generated in a new schema and a newer version of the HLK Studio is required to open it.
Solution: Install/Update to a newer of HLK or HLK Studio
Existing HLK Controller installations may be kept as is and do not need to be reinstalled as it is not supported to update just the HLK Studio on an existing HLK Controller instance. An HLK Studio only instance from the latest HLK may be installed on a separate system to open these HLKXes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What HLK version is being refreshed?
- The 25H2 and 26H1 HLK is being refreshed. This HLK supports certifying drivers for Windows 11, version 25H2, Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11, version 26H1.
How do I install the refreshed HLK?
- Visit the HLK download page, download the refreshed HLK, and run HLKSetup.exe.
- Note: The refreshed HLK cannot be installed alongside a previous version. A clean OS install is recommended for both Controller and Client.
What should I do if a previously passing test now fails?
- Triage the failure first, then open a CSS support case if the issue persists.
How often are HLK refresh releases expected?
- Microsoft currently evaluates releasing a refreshed HLK each quarter.
Can results from different HLK versions be merged for submission?
- No. Submissions should use results from a single HLK version.
Does this update apply to both client and server?
- Yes.
Is the VHLK also being updated?
- Yes.
Microsoft