Which versions (HLK & WDK) do I need to use for driver certification?

Question

Hello,

I am build a kernel driver for Windows 10 x64 and trying to certify this driver. Most of the tests will passed, except for the "Static Tools Logo Test". This test needs a DVL file on the test system in the "c:\dvl" directory. This test will fail because the DVL file has the incorrect format. This is because the DVL file is generated with a WDK (EWDK for Windows Server 2022) which does not matches the HLK version (Windows HLK for Windows 10, version 2004).

I have generated the DVL with this version because the version of the WDK which corresponds to the HLK has a bug in the DVL generation. So I used the EWDK of the next version to generated the DVL file, but this will not work for the HLK test.

My question is, do I upgrade the HLK or do I use a different version of the WDK?

Answer 1

To ensure compatibility and successful driver certification, it's crucial to use matching versions of the Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) and the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). The HLK and WDK versions are designed to work together, and using mismatched versions can lead to issues during testing and certification.

Here are some general guidelines:

1. **HLK and WDK Compatibility:**
   - Ensure that you are using a version of the WDK that is compatible with the HLK version you intend to use.
   - For the best results, use the WDK version that corresponds to the HLK version. This helps in generating the correct DVL file and ensures that the driver is tested against the correct set of tools.

2. **Upgrade Both HLK and WDK:**
   - If you encounter issues with DVL file generation or other compatibility problems, consider upgrading both the HLK and WDK to a more recent version.
   - Check the official Microsoft documentation or the Windows Dev Center for information on the latest versions of HLK and WDK.

3. **Check for Updates and Fixes:**
   - Periodically check for updates and patches for both HLK and WDK. Microsoft releases updates to address issues and improve compatibility.
   - Keep an eye on release notes or announcements for any information about known issues and their resolutions.

4. **Use Supported Configurations:**
   - Make sure that your development environment is using supported configurations for both HLK and WDK.
   - Verify that your operating system version, compiler versions, and other related tools are within the supported range for the chosen HLK and WDK versions.

5. **Consult Microsoft Documentation:**
   - Refer to the official Microsoft documentation and release notes for HLK and WDK versions for detailed information on compatibility and known issues.
   - The Windows Dev Center is a valuable resource for the latest documentation and guidance on driver development and certification.

6. **Report Issues to Microsoft:**
   - If you encounter a bug or issue with a specific version of HLK or WDK, consider reporting it to Microsoft through the appropriate channels.
   - Microsoft may release updates or provide guidance on workarounds for known issues.

In summary, it's generally recommended to use matching versions of HLK and WDK to ensure a smooth driver certification process. If there are issues with a specific version, consider upgrading both HLK and WDK to a more recent version that addresses those concerns. Always check the official Microsoft documentation and support channels for the most accurate and up-to-date information.