Microsoft is pleased to announce the release preview of Windows 11, version 23H2 annual feature update, which shares the same servicing branch and code base as Windows 11, version 22H2, and will be delivered via an enablement package (eKB). See Windows 11 Release information for more information on the annual feature update cadence.
In support of the annual feature update, the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) will also release a Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) update to complement the feature updates within the Windows release. There is no plan to update the certification status issued by the HLK: the certification status that was used for the HLK for Windows 11, version 22H2, which is “Certified for Microsoft Windows 11 Client family version 22H2”, will continue to be used for this this HLK release for the Windows 11, version 23H2 update.
While there are no changes to WHCP or certification status, the updated HLK release with Windows 11, version 23H2 will be required when using Windows 11, version 23H2 to certify. Note, certifying for Windows 11, version 23H2 is optional.
Details
- WHCP requirements – No change. Windows 11, version 22H2 requirements, remain the same for Windows 11, version 22H2 and the new 23H2.
- Windows Hardware Lab Kit – For Submissions, HLK 22H2 to be used with Windows 11, version 22H2 and HLK 23H2 to be used with Windows 11, version 23H2
- Driver signature – No change. Drivers that meet all the applicable Windows 11, version 22H2 requirements will be digitally signed with the same signature attributes.
- WHCP qualification – No change. Qualification will be shown as Windows 11, version 22H2
- Required OS version – Windows 11, version 22H2 or Windows 11, version 23H2.
- WHCP Playlists – Please using the version matching HLK and playlist for the OS version
- Windows 11, version 22H2 – HLK 22H2 and Playlist 22H2
- Windows 11, version 23H2 – HLK 23H2 and Playlist 23H2
- Differences is a total of 9 tests added to the “HLK Version 23H2 CompatPlaylist x64 ARM64.xml” playlist.
- Windows HLK playlist – New HLK playlists will be available on the date of Windows 11, version 23H2 release, and can be found here.
- Technology areas in HLK that took bug fixes:
- Audio APO
- Audio - Silicon and Pipeline
- Bluetooth
- Encoders
