USB-C minimum requirements for Windows 11 notebooks become mandatory
Microsoft wants to resolve the USB-C chaos on Windows 11 notebooks. Previously optional performance parameters are to become mandatory in future.
Microsoft is tightening the minimum requirements for USB-C ports on Windows notebooks.
(Image: Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock.com)
Microsoft is enforcing stricter minimum requirements for USB-C for devices such as notebooks and tablets with Windows 11. In future, all USB-C ports on Windows 11 mobile devices must be able to transfer data, charge via USB, charge external devices and support output to external screens or projectors. Microsoft is adapting the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) for this purpose. This certification program is mandatory for all manufacturers who want to pre-install Windows 11 on a notebook, for example.
With the introduction of USB-C ports, the vision of a universal connector should become reality. But the reality is different, as many USB functions are only optional. For example, USB4 version 2.0 can theoretically charge with up to 240 watts and drive 8K displays – but does not have to be able to do so. According to Microsoft, Windows diagnostic data shows that 27 percent of PCs with a USB4 port have received a notification about limited functionality. This means that a customer has connected a USB-C device, but a function that the device requires was not implemented on the computer.
Windows 11: USB3 and -4 with fixed specifications
Microsoft describes the new minimum standards for the USB-C connection in its own blog. For USB4 ports, this means that the port must provide at least 15 watts of charging power for accessories via the USB Power Delivery Protocol. In addition, at least two external 4K monitors must run at 60 hertz on a single USB4 port. The port must also be able to tunnel PCI Express, for example to operate an external graphics card, and be compatible with Intel's Thunderbolt 3. Thunderbolt has been closely related to USB since USB4, but has higher minimum requirements.
(Image:Â Microsoft)
USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbit/s) connections must be able to charge devices at 7.5 watts. For USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbit/s) and USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbit/s, formerly known as USB 3.0), 4.5 watts is sufficient. This is sufficient for slow charging in an emergency. All USB 3 ports must be able to control at least one screen – Resolution and refresh rate are irrelevant here.
If you connect a screen to your notebook in future, "you can be sure that it will work reliably, as the connections must be VESA-certified", according to the company. PC manufacturers must also use USB-IF-certified chips and fulfill the Microsoft driver stack requirements.
Mixed configurations with, for example, two Thunderbolt 4s and a much slimmed-down USB will no longer be permitted on notebooks in future. Microsoft admits that it will take some time for the new requirements to become widespread. PC manufacturers are on their way to "achieving WHCP compliance for most systems in the coming years". Until then, however, they will still be allowed to sell old configurations without the new minimum requirements.
(afl)
