Windows 11 is about to support USB4 Gen 4 with speeds up to 80Gbps

The clearest evidence is that in the Windows 11 build 23615 update (released earlier this week), the Redmond company introduced USB4 Gen 4 support, capable of operating at speeds of up to 80Gbps on compatible hardware. .

In early September 2019, USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) officially announced the specifications of the USB4 standard, paving the way for high-speed physical USB connections, comparable to Thunderbolt 3. Two The following year, Microsoft integrated USB4 support in the initial release of Windows 11 (version 21H2). By September 2022, USB4 2.0 was introduced with 80 and 120Gbps performance modes over the now standard Type-C connector. And Microsoft is working to ensure its operating system can work with the latest generation of USB that is coming to the first consumer products.

Windows 11 is about to support USB4 Gen 4 with speeds up to 80Gbps Picture 1

In the release notes for build 23615, Microsoft said the improved performance of USB4 2.0 "enables consistency in compatibility and connectivity across next-generation high-performance devices." At the same time, USB4 2.0 is also fully compatible with accessories made for older generations of USB and Thunderbolt with Type-C connectors.

Microsoft has essentially supported USB4 2.0 in the latest Windows 11 preview build, but users need the latest and greatest hardware to fully experience the improvement in transfer performance. According to the company, USB4 2.0 80Gpbs will initially launch on select devices with the 14th generation mobile processors that were recently introduced by Intel. For example, the new Razer Blade 18 will be one of the first Windows laptops to support USB4 2.0.

The launch of USB4 can be considered a port size revolution that helps USB become more popular in everyday use. The micro-USB ports are used mainly for charging on phones, and the new Type-C port has more speed options.

Jessica Tanner

Update 16 January 2024