Microsoft is addressing USB-C "port confusion" with a new hardware certification program

In context: Despite promising a "universal" connectivity experience, the USB port has long been a source of frustration for PC users. Now, Microsoft is going the extra mile to finally address the compatibility issues and misinformation surrounding the standard – at least, for brand-new portable PCs. Any USB-C port should be able to recharge devices, transfer files at high speed, and run external displays with ease but in practice, things are often much more complicated. According to Windows Diagnostics Data, 27 percent of PCs that are supposed to be fully compatible with the USB4 standard have experienced some form of limited functionality. Many users only discover that a specific "alternate mode" feature is missing after attempting to use it. Ideally, every USB-C port would deliver up to 240W of power and support all features defined by the USB Implementers Forum. However, not all USB-C ports are created equal, and manufacturers rarely provide enough information for users to underst ... Read full article.