Windows Hardware Compatibility Program - Guidance for Windows 11, version 26H1 Release

Building on the recent WIP Blog post, we’re releasing WHCP and HLK for Windows 11, version 26H1 to support partners working on engineering efforts.

This release is focused on enabling new platforms and is not intended for existing or previously released silicon. For mainstream products, continue using Windows 11 version 25H2 and its HLK to maintain compatibility with the current Windows 11 release.

There’s no expectation for most devices or components to certify on both 25H2 and 26H1.

Submission Pre-requisites

If you’re submitting for 26H1, please ensure:

• OS Version: Windows 11, version 26H1 (Build 28000)
• HLK Version: Windows 11, version 26H1 (Build 28000), and using the matching 26H1 Playlist
• Downloads:

o    HLK - Windows Hardware Lab Kit

o    Playlists - https://aka.ms/HLKPlaylist

• System-Level Submissions: Must use 26H1 certified/signed drivers

This alignment ensures consistency across WHCP and HLK for silicon enablement and validation.

To avoid submission rejection, all required playlists and tests must be fully executed. For devices with ARM64 processors, HLK must run on each required playlist listed above, and the resulting logs should be included for submission.

Please refer to the HLK Getting Started Guide for details on HLK client setup and playlist use.

Partner Dev Center Opening Date

• Starting from 11/18/2025, Partner Dev Center will accept submissions for Windows 11, version 26H1 packages that meet the pre-requisites mentioned above.

FAQ

• Q: Will there be a 90-day transition period for system-level submission?

A: No – Since this release emphasizes new platform support, all components and drivers are expected to qualify under the same release. Therefore, the traditional 90-day transition period does not apply. In other words, system-level submissions for 26H1 must preinstall with drivers that are certified and signed for 26H1.

• Q: Can a pre-released version of OS and/or HLK be used for submission?

A: No – To ensure full compatibility, HLK logs generated from the final release of both the OS and HLK are required for 26H1 submissions.