Microsoft shares Windows 10 deprecation plans for WHCP and HLK

Windows 10 is reaching end of support on October 14, 2025, and it recently received its last non-security updates. Although customers in Europe can take advantage of the Extended Security Updates (ESU) program with no strings attached and so can customers in other regions with some caveats, it's clear that it's the end of the line for Windows 10. Now, Microsoft has shared Windows 10 deprecation plans for the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) and Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), mainly impacting Windows hardware manufacturers.

For those unaware, WHCP is a process aimed primarily at hardware manufacturers who want to test their products for compatibility with Windows, ahead of release. It uses HLK as a testing framework for automated driver testing. Devices who pass these tests get certified by Microsoft, which also increases customer confidence in the products they buy.

After October 14, Microsoft will be deprecating the Windows 10 certification process in WHCP. Only Windows 10 LTSC 2021 release (22H2) and HLK 22H2 will remain supported throughout 2028 through the ESU program which offers up to three years of paid security updates for enterprise customers. Similarly, for Windows Server, HLK versions 1809 and 22H2 will continue to be used for Windows Server LTSC releases until their end-of-life (EOL) dates. After October 14, Microsoft Premier Support will no longer accept submissions for unsupported versions of HLK.

Finally, the Hardware Dev Center (HDC), which is essentially the portal where hardware manufacturers submit and register drivers for testing with their products, will see a different kind of impact. For now, it will continue accepting HLK packages for all versions of Windows 10. The company is yet to share timelines on deprecation plans for unsupported HLK submissions in HDC, but it has strongly encouraged all partners to migrate to supported versions of Windows HLK.

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Posted Saturday 27 September 2025 at 6:00 pm AEST (my time).

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