WHQL testing for a service driver: is it OK to use VMs to run HLK tests?

Question

This is a software service not a hardware driver.

The HLK tests seemed to run OK in Windows 10 and 11 VMs, but is that allowed for submitting the HLKX?

Edit: this is a kernel minifilter driver with INF file

Answer 1

Hello @Dave Simmons ,

Since this is a kernel minifilter driver with an INF file and you need Microsoft signing, I would not assume that an HLKX generated from a VM is valid just because the tests pass.

Microsoft does support Virtual HLK (VHLK) in some scenarios. However, Microsoft also states in HLK prerequisite documentation that virtualization is not universally allowed for certification/signature workflows. For example, both Web Services on Devices Testing Prerequisites and Antivirus Testing Prerequisites state that, except for para-virtualization drivers, physical devices and their associated drivers being tested for server certification or signature may not be tested in virtual machines.

Microsoft also notes that tests for file systems and minifilter drivers are under Filter.Driver. So, for your case, I suggest using physical machines unless the exact prerequisite documentation for the applicable Filter.Driver tests explicitly allows VM-based testing.

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Thank you