Step 1: Install the HLK Controller

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Warning

  The Windows Hardware Lab Kit should only be installed on machines that are dedicated solely for testing purposes. Do not install any HLK component on a machine that is outside of a dedicated testing environment.

In this step, you install Windows HLK software on the designated test server. The setup program installs the Windows HLK Controller and Studio, in addition to other resources.

For releases of HLK before 2021, test server should be preinstalled with Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2012 R2, or Windows Server 2016. Newer versions of HLK will support Windows Server 2016 and 2019.

If you are upgrading your HLK environment to a later version, you must first uninstall the previous version of the HCK or HLK software from the test server and any connected test clients.

To install Windows HLK, follow these steps:

  1. Download the HLK.

    If you are downloading directly onto your server, you must disable the IE Enhanced Security Configuration (IE ESC).

  2. When prompted, select Run.

    Warning

      Don't select the Save option. The Save option only downloads the setup file and not the complete kit.

  3. When the Specify Location screen appears, choose the appropriate option:

    1. Install option - choose Install the Windows Hardware Lab Kit to this computer, and then choose Install .

    2. Download option - choose Download the Windows Hardware Lab Kit for installation on a separate computer, and then choose Next.

  4. Select the Windows Hardware Lab Kit -- Controller + Studio option.

    If you are installing directly, you must open a port on your server. Choose Yes, to allow the installation to open a port.

  5. When the Join the Customer Experience Improvement Program (CEIP) screen appears, choose Yes or No, and then choose Next. If your network isn't connected to the Internet, choose No.

  6. Review the License Agreement, and then choose Accept to proceed. If you selected the download option, copy your download to your test server. Run HLKSetup.exe and repeat the installation instructions from Step 3 for installing to this computer.

    Installation takes about 45 minutes.

    Note

      If Microsoft .NET Framework 4.5 isn't already installed on the computer, follow the prompts to install it. After the computer restarts, you must repeat the installation instructions from Step 1 for installing to this computer.