For a driver to obtain a digital signature, it needs to undergo WHQL certification, requiring Windows HCK or Windows HLK testing frameworks to perform Windows system compatibility testing. So what is Windows HCK? What is Windows HLK? What are the differences between the two? This article will provide an in-depth explanation.
I. What is Windows HCK?
Windows HCK, short for Windows Hardware Certification Kit, is a testing framework for certifying Windows hardware devices. It primarily tests hardware for Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows Server versions from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012. Your hardware must pass Windows HCK testing to obtain Windows certification (formerly known as the Windows logo).
II. What is Windows HLK?
Windows HLK, short for Windows Hardware Lab Kit, is a testing framework for testing hardware devices and drivers for Windows 11, Windows 10, and all Windows Server versions starting with Windows Server 2016. Your product must undergo certain tests using Windows HLK to be eligible for the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program.
III. Differences between Windows HCK and Windows HLK
Both Windows HCK and Windows HLK serve as testing frameworks for WHQL certification of drivers. The main differences lie in their versions and the tools they use.
1. Version Differences
Windows HCK and Windows HLK are primarily used to test hardware devices or drivers from different versions of Windows and Windows Server.
Windows HCK is mainly used for older hardware devices, including Windows 8.1, Windows 7, and Windows Server versions from Windows Server 2008 R2 to Windows Server 2012.
Windows HLK is mainly used for newer hardware devices or drivers, including Windows 11, Windows 10, and all Windows Server versions starting with Windows Server 2016.
2. Tool Differences
Windows HCK requires configuring the Windows HCK Filter, Windows HCK Studio, Windows HCK Manager, and downloading the Hardware Certification Toolkit.
Windows HLK requires configuring the Windows HLK Filter, Windows HLK Studio, Windows HLK Manager, and downloading the Hardware Labs toolkit. Different toolkits need to be adapted for different Windows versions.
As a testing framework in WHQL certification, Windows HCK is suitable for testing hardware devices with older versions of Windows, while Windows HLK is suitable for testing hardware devices and drivers with newer versions of Windows. The two are different but related, and developers can choose according to their actual needs and the version of the target operating system to ensure that the hardware device or driver can pass the corresponding tests and obtain Microsoft logo certification.
