Which HLK(s) support targeting Server 2016? Only 1607? 1607 or later?

SteveP 256 Reputation points
2021-05-04T17:25:42.497+00:00

The HLK docs (https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/test/hlk/) state ...

If you’re developing for Windows 10 or qualified versions of Windows Server,
you must use the correct version of the HLK, as listed in the following table.

Is this statement actually correct? If not, what are the REAL rules?

What I would like to do is install HLK 1809 (or later) to test hardware/drivers on both Server 2019 and Server 2016.

1) Will this work? If not, ... really? Awwww...

2) Will WHQL accept submissions created using this configuration (i.e. will WHQL let me get away with doing this)?

Thanks in advance!

Cheers,
Steve

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  1. Teemo Tang 11,346 Reputation points
    2021-05-05T01:38:45.37+00:00

    Hi Steve,
    If you’re developing for Windows 10 or qualified versions of Windows Server, you must use the correct version of the HLK.
    Yes, this statement is correct.
    For your question:

    1. You’d better install Windows HLK version 1809 or Windows Virtual HLK (VHLK) version 1809 on Server 2019 and install Windows HLK version 1607 on Server 2016.
    2. Driver packages that pass Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) testing can be digitally-signed by WHQL.

    Reference:
    WHQL Release Signature - Windows drivers | Microsoft Learn
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/drivers/install/whql-release-signature
    HLK Testing Concepts | Microsoft Learn
    https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/test/hlk/user/hck-testing-concepts

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  1. SteveP 256 Reputation points
    2021-05-05T02:22:17.917+00:00

    Thanks @Teemo Tang !

    sigh Oh well ... more work ...

    I hope the HLK 1607 installer gets fixed soon ... I just downloaded it again and confirmed that it's still broken.

    https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/t5/windows-server-for-developers/hlk-1607-install-fail/m-p/2276222#M90

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