Earlier this month, we reported on a couple of big changes Microsoft is bringing regarding Windows hardware testing. First, the tech giant deprecated Windows Device metadata and the Windows Metadata and Internet Services (WMIS) on the latest OS version of Windows 11.
First, Microsoft also published an updated HLK or hardware lab kit release with many new validation tests related to Bluetooth LE Audio, among other improvements. LE Audio received official Windows requirements earlier this year in February.
Under the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP), HLK, as mentioned above, is used to test and validate various hardware and their corresponding drivers and software to ensure Windows compatibility so that all the features of such hardware will work as intended.
Unfortunately, in this area, USB-C support has not been the greatest, and Microsoft knows it.
As such, today, Microsoft has published a detailed blog post explaining why that is changing soon. The company has stated that it will try and enforce the various optional USB-C functionalities into mandatory ones so that users will not have to wonder and guess which of the USB-C features will work on their PC. Microsoft says that this applies to mobile (laptop and notebook) systems only, at least for the moment.
This looks like a great initiative by Microsoft given that it is not often clearly defined which PC supports which of the features and thus with a mandatory baseline for the various USB-C functionalities, laptop makers and OEMs will be forced to make all such features available and make like easier for consumers.
The company had earlier published a support article regarding "USB4 device functionality might be limited" problems that users face.
As you can see in the image above, Microsoft has published a new set of requirements for Windows 11 USB4 and USB 3.0 devices to make the support for the following functions compulsory alongside their rated throughputs:
USB4
- 15 watts or higher charging
- Dual 4K 60 Hz display support
- PCIe 3.0
- Intel Thunderbolt 3
USB 3.0
- 4.5 to 15 watts charging
- 1x display support
You can find the official blog post here on Microsoft's Tech Community website.
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