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Hardlock Driver for Windows 10 & 11: How to Install it
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Updated onJuly 8, 2024
updated onJuly 8, 2024
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Whenusing a dongle on a PCfor dongle-secured software, it usually requires a few drivers to run. In most cases, Windows runs a search for the essential drivers automatically and then installs them right away.
However, certain security drivers like the Hardlock driver needs to be manually installed. This post highlights what is a Hardlock driver, why is it important, and how to install the Hardlock driver on Windows 11.
What is a Hardlock Driver and why is it important?
The Hardlock driver or the Hardlock device driver is a software component by the Aladdin Knowledge Systems. The software component belongs to the Aladdin HASP (Hardware Against Software Piracy).
HASP is protection and licensing software, and a part of the DRM (Digital Rights Management) bundle. Hardlock.sys is the driver that works a filter and is essential for the HASP to function properly.
So, if your dongle contains any sensitive information or software that must be transferred to the system, the driver protects the information.
The Hardlock.sys process is located in the drivers’ folder in Windows. Go to the below path to access the driver’s folder:
C:\Windows\System32\drivers
While a third-party provider created the driver file, it also contains Microsoft’s digital signature. Originally, it was Hardlock Device Driver for Windows NT, but now, you can also install it on Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
Now, a part of the Sentinal HL group which is a next-gen hardware security key powered by a smartcard. It’s known for providing innovative technologies in the category of software protection and licensing.
Users can follow the below process to download and install the Hardlockdrivers on Windows 11.
How do I install the Hardlock driver on Windows 11/10?
1. Install Hardlock.sys on Windows 11
Once done, restart your PC and the drivers should be installed automatically.
As you can see, installing the Hardlock driver is pretty easy since the latest driver file is available on the official support website.
Now continue with the below method to install hardlock.sys on Windows 10:
2. Run Harlock in Compatibility mode in Windows 10
Once the hardlock.sys driver is installed, and you can now use the USB dongle without any worries.
3. Install the Hardlock.sys driver file on Windows 7
Now, double-click to run the Hardlock driver .exe file and follow the instructions as per the installer to finish installing the hardlock.sys driver file.
4. Update the Sentinel driver
It’s a good practice to update the driver right after you have installed the Sentinel driver to make sure you are running the latest version and no issues occur while using the USB dongle.
What are some key takeaways?
Since the Hardlock.sys driver file is not important for the Windows OS, it does not trigger problems very often.
The file size is usually 693,760 bytes on Windows 10/8/7/XP with 13% of all occurrences and can also be 676,864 bytes.
It is available to download in 10 different sizes. The hardlock.sys file is safe and is not a virus, however, some malware can disguise itself as hardlock.sys.
Therefore, make sure it’s located in the below folder:C:\Windows\System32\drivers
If not, then it could be malware. Hence, you should check the hardlock.sys process on your PC to see if it is a threat using trusted software.
Hardlock driver is a useful utility, especially for those using dongles to transfer secured files or programs to their system.
Since it’s not a harmful file and is not essential to Windows, you can continue using your system with it in the background.
Let us know your comments in case you come across any issues while installing the Hardlock device driver on Windows 11.
More about the topics:driver,windows 10,Windows 11
Madhuparna Roy
A diploma holder in computers and with a keen interest in technology, Madhuparna is passionate about writing How-to guides and helping people solve the most intricate Windows issues.
It all started with the evolution of mobile phones and Google, and that has now settled with Windows.
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