USB Archives

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft agrees that USB is a mess and it’s making changes to fix it: ‘Manufacturers can implement ports that look identical but differ wildly in functionality’

Microsoft is implementing new standards to enhance the reliability of USB connections, particularly for devices that comply with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP). All WHCP-compliant hardware with USB Type-C must use USB-IF-certified silicon, ensuring efficient charging and support for DisplayPort Alt-Mode for additional monitors. USB4 certification requires a maximum data speed of 40 Gbps, up to 15 W of power for accessories, support for dual 4K displays at 60 Hz, and compatibility with PCIe and Thunderbolt 3. Testing is conducted through Microsoft's Hardware Lab Kit (HLK), and certification is paused if issues arise during testing. This initiative aims to clarify USB Type-C port capabilities and improve consumer confidence in WHCP-certified devices.

AppWizard

June 3, 2025

This Real-Life Minecraft Compass Points the Way to the Nearest Lodestone

Minecraft has evolved over 15 years from a basic game to a complex platform that allows players to craft advanced tools, including a compass that can guide them to specific locations. Chaosgoo has created a DIY compass that replicates the in-game compass in real life, allowing users to set destinations via a companion app. The compass uses a custom printed circuit board (PCB) featuring an ESP32-C3-MINI microcontroller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, a USB connector, a lithium battery charger, and a digital compass. It includes 42 individually addressable RGB LEDs and a light diffuser that creates a voxel-like appearance for the compass needle. The device is designed for 3D printing and is portable. Documentation for building the compass is primarily in Chinese, but resources are available on MakerWorld, OSHW Hub, and GitHub.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Windows 11 news and updates: Sora video AI comes to Bing while USB-C changes will make all of our lives easier

Microsoft has made adjustments to Windows 11 and Windows 10 to comply with the Digital Markets Act for users in the European Economic Area, including stopping prompts to set Edge as the default browser and automatically pinning users' preferred browsers to the Taskbar. The optional update KB5058499 (OS Build 26100.4202) for Windows 11, released on May 28, 2025, improves gaming stability and includes upgrades to AI tools. OpenAI's Sora AI model is now available globally in the Bing Video Creator within the Bing mobile app. Notepad has added support for Markdown syntax. Microsoft has committed that all USB-C ports on Windows 11 will support data, charging, and display functionalities, with USB4 ports being compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The release date for Windows 11 version 25H2 is anticipated between September and October 2025.

Winsage

June 3, 2025

Microsoft belatedly attempts to tame USB-C confusion with its rules for PC OEMs

27 percent of computers equipped with USB4 are experiencing limited functionality notifications when users connect USB-C devices that require specific features not supported by the PC. Microsoft mandates that USB-C ports on Windows PCs include essential features such as PC charging support and the capability to connect at least one external display, with a minimum power supply of 4.5 watts for accessories. Microsoft does not enforce higher transfer speeds or specific USB-PD wattage levels but expects USB-C ports to deliver USB 3.x speeds, display output, and charging support. Thunderbolt 4 and 5 ports support a comprehensive suite of USB-C capabilities, including high transfer speeds of 40 or 80Gbps and the ability to connect multiple external 4K displays while providing up to 15 watts of power for accessories. The Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) provides automated testing tools for PC manufacturers to ensure compatibility with Windows and requires USB-C ports to utilize Windows' built-in USB drivers for streamlined fixes through Windows Update.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Make USB-C great again: Microsoft requires full functionality of all PC ports for Windows 11 certificate

Microsoft has announced an update to its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) for Windows 11, introducing a new standard for USB-C ports. All certified devices must support data transfer, charging, and video output through their USB-C ports. Laptops with 40 Gbps USB ports will be required to support USB4 and Thunderbolt 3. The updates are effective for devices shipping with the Windows 11 24H2 update and will mandate the use of certified chips from USB-IF, along with Microsoft's own USB controller driver. These changes aim to eliminate inconsistencies in USB-C functionality across devices, providing users with reliable port performance by 2025.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft imposes new rules on Windows 11 laptop makers to ensure they don’t cut corners with key features of USB-C ports

Microsoft has introduced new regulations to standardize USB-C ports on Windows 11 laptops, ensuring that all ports provide essential functionalities: display support, PC charging support, and data transfer. The updated Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) mandates that every USB-C port must adhere to a minimum standard of functionality, allowing users to connect external monitors, charge devices, and transfer data efficiently. Ports supporting USB 40Gbps will also be compatible with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. These requirements are effective with the release of Windows 11 24H2. While the regulations establish a baseline, variations in specifications such as supported displays, power delivery capacity, and data transfer speeds may still exist and should be detailed in laptop specifications.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

‘Two firm promises of USB-C on Windows 11’ — How Microsoft plans to eliminate connectivity confusion

USB-C ports are standard on contemporary Windows laptops, but not all deliver the same performance. A recent blog post by Microsoft revealed that 27% of Windows PCs with USB4 ports experience a "limited functionality" notification when connecting peripherals. This issue arises from inconsistent USB-C implementations by manufacturers, often leaving users unaware of their ports' capabilities. To address these challenges, Microsoft is updating the Windows 11 Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to ensure that laptops shipping with Windows 11 version 24H2 will have WHCP certification. This certification guarantees universal USB data, charging, and display support across all USB-C ports, and full compatibility for USB4 ports with 40Gbps performance with Thunderbolt 3 and USB4 peripherals. The WHCP will enforce minimum capabilities for each USB-C version, requiring USB-IF certified silicon in certified laptops, ensuring USB Power Delivery capabilities for all ports, and mandating DisplayPort Alt Mode for external display support. Additionally, a new requirement for Microsoft's driver stack will ensure PCs receive the latest USB driver updates. USB4 introduces two performance tiers: 40Gbps and 80Gbps. New laptops with USB4 connections at 40Gbps will be required to ensure compatibility with USB4 and Thunderbolt 3 accessories. WHCP certification will also apply to 80Gbps USB4 ports, mandating 80Gbps transfer speeds and a specific mode for high-resolution displays. The WHCP certification will be enforced through a Hardware Lab Kit, incorporating user feedback and automated testing.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft fights USB-C chaos on Windows 11 laptops with new label

Microsoft will enforce standardized USB-C specifications for Windows 11 laptops starting with the 24H2 update, requiring PC manufacturers to adhere to these guidelines. USB-C ports must support data transfer rates of 40 Gbps or 80 Gbps and be compatible with Thunderbolt 3, providing a minimum charging power of 15 watts (7.5 watts for tablets). Additionally, USB-C ports must support USB Power Delivery, PCIe tunneling, DisplayPort Alt Mode, and dual 4K@60Hz monitors. For USB3, ports must facilitate data transfer at rates of 5 Gbps, 10 Gbps, or 20 Gbps, with charging capabilities ranging from 4.5 to 15 watts. Manufacturers must test devices using Microsoft's Windows Hardware Lab Kit (HLK) to earn WHCP certification.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Which USB Port Is This? Microsoft Vows To End The Lottery

The USB-C connector has become complex, with varying standards causing confusion among users. Microsoft found that over 25% of users encounter errors when connecting USB-C devices due to unsupported functionalities. To address this, Microsoft plans to establish a minimum standard for USB-C port capabilities on personal computers, which will be part of the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program. Future USB-C ports will support device charging, DisplayPort Alt-mode, and compatibility with USB 40Gbps, USB4, and Thunderbolt 3 peripherals. However, not all USB-C ports will operate at the same speeds, and existing devices will not receive these enhancements, meaning it may take years for users to benefit from the new standards.

Winsage

June 2, 2025

Microsoft finally cracks down on PC builders using subpar USB-C ports with new WHCP rules

Microsoft has updated the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program (WHCP) to establish minimum standards for USB-C ports on devices certified for Windows 11. The new requirements include: - USB-C 3: Minimum data transfer speed of 5 Gbps. - Power Delivery: At least 4.5W of accessory power. - PC Charging: Capability for charging the device. - Display Output: Support for at least one external display. For USB 4, additional requirements include support for dual 4K 60Hz resolutions, PCIe, and Thunderbolt 3. All USB-C ports on certified devices must also support USB-IF certified silicon, USB Power Delivery, DisplayPort Alt-Mode, and utilize Microsoft’s built-in USB controller drivers. Manufacturers are expected to achieve WHCP compliance in the coming years.