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Summary
- Microsoft is updating its minimum requirements for USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops and tablets through its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP).
- The goal is for USB-C ports on all Windows 11 laptops to «just work» and support USB data, charging, and display capabilities.
- DisplayPort Alt-Mode is a requirement on all USB-C ports now, to ensure a monitor can be connected to any Windows 11 laptop through any USB-C port.
USB-C ports are far more versatile than USB Type-A. Certain USB-C ports can charge your device, transfer data, power external GPUs, and provide video output to high-resolution 4K or 8K displays.
However, not all USB Type-C ports are «created equal.» Although most USB-C ports may look identical externally, their capabilities can differ significantly, leading to considerable confusion. While one USB-C port on your laptop might support connections to an external display, another may not, understandably puzzling users who are not well-versed in the intricate details of USB-C and Thunderbolt.
To ease the confusion surrounding different types of USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops, Microsoft is introducing a new «minimum bar» for USB-C port capabilities on the latest Windows 11 laptops through its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). This standardization aims to minimize user frustration by ensuring consistent functionality for USB Type-C ports across a wide array of Windows 11 laptops.
Let’s explore what Microsoft is doing and how this will benefit you in the future when purchasing a new Windows 11 laptop.
What is Microsoft changing?
All USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops must support an external display
With its latest WHCP update, Microsoft is establishing a minimum requirement for PC manufacturers to meet when implementing different types of USB-C ports on their laptops and tablets. Previously, these were optional, but now Microsoft has made them a requirement for new laptops or tablets to receive the WHCP seal of approval.
According to Microsoft’s blog post, there are two different sets of WHCP requirements: one for USB-C ports with USB 4 and another for USB 3.
For USB 4, Microsoft states that all USB-C ports supporting USB 4 must be capable of data transfers at either 40 Gbps or 80 Gbps and be compatible with Thunderbolt 3. They must also provide charging of at least 15 watts for laptops or 7.5 watts for tablets. Crucially, they must all support USB Power Delivery, PCI Express Support (for external GPUs), and work with dual 4K monitors at 60Hz.
USB 3 Type-C ports have a lower minimum requirement than USB 4. For starters, all USB-C ports with USB 3 must be able to transfer data at either 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 20 Gbps, and support charging between 4.5 watts and 7.5 watts. USB 3 Type-C ports are not required to have Thunderbolt 3 compatibility or PCI Express support, but are required to be able to support one display.
Before this update, OEM manufacturers could skip adding features like USB Power Delivery or DisplayPort Alt Mode to the USB-C port on their PCs, but thanks to the WHCP’s new requirements, that’s no longer the case.
Microsoft states that the above requirements are already in place, having begun with the rollout of Windows 11 version 24H2. With these changes to the WHCP, Microsoft intends to fulfill two core promises to Windows 11 users purchasing a new laptop or tablet. Firstly, USB-C data, charging, and display «just works,» and secondly, PCs with USB-C ports supporting 40 Gbps have «full compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals.»
Most importantly, all USB-C ports are now required to support DisplayPort Alt Mode, meaning that soon every USB-C port on a Windows 11 laptop will be able to connect to an external display with a USB-C port. This is essential for any laptop lacking an HDMI port, which many PCs today do not have, given the increasing thinness of laptops.
Before this update, PC manufacturers could forgo adding features like USB Power Delivery or DisplayPort Alt Mode to the USB-C ports on their PCs. However, due to the new WHCP requirements, this is no longer allowed. Microsoft indicates that most PC manufacturers «are on track to achieve WHCP compliance across most systems in the coming years.» Hopefully, this means that by the end of 2026, the USB-C port confusion on Windows 11 laptops will largely be resolved.
Personally, I’m glad Microsoft is finally addressing the USB-C confusion that has persisted for so many years. Not everyone is a USB-C port expert, and by updating its guidelines for OEMs, Microsoft is raising the standards for future Windows 11 laptops and making things easier for consumers. Not only will consumers benefit from improved hardware, but all USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops will be more versatile and less confusing, as they should be.
