- Microsoft has new rules to guarantee greater coherence with USB-C ports
- This means that each USB-C port will offer data, energy and visualization support
- Previously, it was not guaranteed that all these basic elements obtained if laptops manufacturers cut the corners with their connectors
In the future, USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops will remain with more consistent standards that mean that users can expect a minimum amount of functionality with any given connector.
Tom’s hardware noticed the Microsoft blog post that explains a new update of the Windows Hardware Compatibility program (WHCP) that is designed to end the confusion around the USB-C ports. The broad idea is to ensure that each of these connectors deliver certain key features in terms of data transfer, energy delivery (load) and execute an external monitor.
Currently, while the USB-C specification covers all these separate elements, and a great versatility for the port, the pieces can be missing with connectors on some laptops, since it is not mandatory to include everything.
Microsoft has changed this with its new way of working, observing that: “While USB specifications provide PC manufacturers with the ability to choose what optional features admit the port, we set out to establish a minimum bar for the USB-C port capabilities in the PC.”
This reference bar means that with Windows 11 laptops (and tablets), all USB-C ports must provide screen support (to connect a monitor), PC (energy) load support and, of course, data transfer (which all USB connectors make, of course) at some speed.
In addition, Microsoft points out that any port that admits USB 40GBPS will work well with the USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals.
These updated WHCP requirements have come into play with Windows 11 24h2, and the notebooks that are executed 24h2 will already admit them.
Analysis: Consistency with connectors
With the old way of working, the practicality of USB-C ports is that you could buy a laptop that comes with some of these connectors, and be very happy to use them to use them USB or load. Then, one day, when you connect a monitor, you will suddenly discover that your ports do not admit a screen, because the manufacturer of laptops produced these USB-C connectors without that particular capacity (to save some money).
The problem is that there is no clear labeling in a USB-C port, and it is possible that you do not find out any missing piece of functionality puzzle until you find them in this way, and it is too late at that time.
With the new minimum standard instead, all USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops certified by WHCP will definitely admit all those three basic pillars: power, screen and data transfer.
Now, keep in mind that there are still variations in the specifications of the USB-C ports, in terms of how many screens can admit, or how much power will deliver the USB cable, and the speed of data transfers (all which must clarify in the specifications of the notebook).
See the previous screen capture to obtain the details, but the central point is that from now on, you know that the three fundamental bases are covered with at least a certain level of functionality when you are buying a new Windows 11 laptop, with each USB-C port on board the device, which must be good.
