Microsoft standardizes USB-C experience on Windows 11

Microsoft has introduced the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to address end-user confusion and inconsistent experiences with USB-C ports. According to a recent blog, an initiative has been taken to address common issues caused by USB-C ports that appear identical but serve different purposes.

What is the problem?

A USB-C connector is included with most modern laptops and peripherals, but manufacturers utilize it in different ways. This confuses users, especially when devices that should ideally work fail to function because key functions, such as DisplayPort, Power Delivery, or Thunderbolt, aren’t supported.

Windows Diagnostics Data shows that 27% of PCs with USB4 have encountered a limited functionality notification, meaning that a customer plugged a USB-C device in, but a feature (alternate mode) that device needs was not implemented on the PC and Windows notified the user. The reversible USB Type-C connector isn’t the problem, the inconsistent implementations of USB-C port capabilities across the PC ecosystem is. 

What is the solution?

To resolve this issue, Microsoft has established a minimum performance standard for USB-C ports on all WHCP-certified Windows 11 mobile PCs. This will ensure that every certified USB-C port supports:

• USB Power Delivery for efficient and consistent device charging
• USB-IF certified silicon for robust and reliable connection
• DisplayPort Alternate Mode for connecting external monitors
• Microsoft’s USB controller drivers for ensuring that ongoing feature and security updates arrive via Windows Update

What about USB 40 Gbps and 80 Gbps Ports?

Devices that support USB 40 Gbps or 80 Gbps must meet higher standards under WHCP, which include:

• Sustained full-speed bandwidth on every port
• Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripheral compatibility
• PCI Express tunnelling for eGPUs and NVMe drives
•  DisplayPort requirements to ensure that up to two 4K monitors at 60Hz can be connected
• Sleep and resume resilience to ensure that the host routers survive low-power states without dropping tunnels
• Uniform 15W power delivery per port

Additionally, WHCP-certified 80 Gbps ports should have symmetric 80/80 Gbps and asymmetric 120/40 Gbps modes for increased display bandwidth.

How will it be implemented?

Microsoft strives to implement this compliance through its Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), a testing suite that OEMs and silicon vendors must go through. The automated tests verify everything from signaling timing and speed negotiation to power delivery, DisplayPort/PCIe tunnels, to sleep/resume resilience. Additionally, it is mandatory to pass the test to obtain certification.

Microsoft has utilized user feedback and real-world problems, which led to the development of WHCP requirements. It is an ongoing process that the company intends to evolve with each Windows update, introducing new tests and fixes so that fixes and improvements reach end users without new hardware. 

Will the WHCP compliance solve the USB-C port confusion? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.