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Windows 11 PC users will soon experience a 'classy' USB-C port like MacBook

With the Windows 11 24H2 update , Microsoft has finally tightened the requirements for USB-C ports on new PCs, giving users fast charging capabilities and the best USB-C experience – on par with MacBooks.

 

Before Windows 11 24H2, OEMs could ignore features like "Full Power Delivery" or "DisplayPort Alt Mode." If a new PC you buy doesn't support "Full Power Delivery," it will charge slowly even if it has a USB-C port.

  1. This USB-C port looks and works just fine , but it doesn't live up to its potential.

  2. Users need to be very careful when purchasing a Windows PC. A Microsoft-certified USB-C port is usually labeled "USB 40 Gbps"/"USB 80 Gbps" or the Thunderbolt™ symbol .

 

However, most users do not pay attention to these details and are still satisfied because in general, all USB-C ports are the same.

Windows 11 24H2: USB-C must be "qualified" to be certified

According to a new support document discovered by Windows Latest , Microsoft now requires new WHCP-certified Windows 11 24H2 PCs to support either "Full Power Delivery" or "DisplayPort Alt Mode." Otherwise, they wo n't be certified by Microsoft .

(A WHCP-certified PC is one that has passed Microsoft's Windows Hardware Compatibility Program testing and has a "Designed for Windows 11" logo on the hardware—usually a sticker).

In addition, Microsoft also applies the following requirements:

  1. The USB-C controller must use a USB-IF certified chip.

  2. Runs on Windows built-in USB driver (can be updated directly via Windows Update).

The table explains the benefits of mandatory requirements:

Windows 11 24H2 Required Benefits for users
USB-IF Certified Chip Using certified chip, ensure stable USB connection.
Power Delivery (PD) Support fast charging at high voltage and current.
DisplayPort Alt Mode Connect and output images to an external display via USB-C port.
Microsoft Driver Stack Use Windows built-in USB driver for easy updates and security.
Full bandwidth 40/80 Gbps Guaranteed advertised data transfer speeds on every port.
PCIe Tunneling Allows seamless use of an external graphics card (eGPU) or external NVMe hard drive.
Thunderbolt compatible Works with Thunderbolt 3/4 devices and docks.
4K Display Support Can run two 4K displays simultaneously at 60 Hz.

Previously, all of these features were optional . Some OEMs followed the 'recommendations,' others didn't, leaving users with unfulfilled USB-C PCs. Now, however, the power and performance requirements are becoming clearer: Microsoft has confirmed that a WHCP-compliant USB-C port must provide enough power ( 4.5W or 7.5W ) to run accessories and at least one display on a USB 3 port (up to 20Gbps).

For USB4 ports (40 Gbps or 80 Gbps), the requirements will be higher:

    1. Minimum power 15W (7.5W on tablets).

    2. Supports dual 4K/60 Hz displays .

    3. Supports PCIe Tunneling and Thunderbolt 3 for smooth operation of high-speed docks and eGPUs.

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