Microsoft Looking to Enforce USB-C Features Through WHCP
1 min read
Summary
In its blog post about its Windows Hardware Compatibility Program, Microsoft has set out its vision for USB-C ports on laptops complying with its programme.
USB-IF is also seeking to end the confusion surrounding USB-C capabilities, resetting the specifications to refer to the maximum bandwidth supported.
Meanwhile, the blog suggests a minimum set of port capabilities, including PC charging support and support for at least one external display.
However, the blog does not enforce specific charging requirements, meaning the impact of the new rules will remain to be seen.
Enterprises should care because Microsoft effectively mandates universal compliance by hardware manufacturers by tying the compatibility to Windows preloading.
Additionally, there’s no standard for USB-C ports to communicate their capabilities, meaning that hardware manufacturers have been left to document the feature sets themselves.
This has led to confusion, upgraded hardware being incompatible and vendor lock-in.
