How to Check USB4 Support in Windows 11
You can check for USB4 support in Windows 11 by looking at your PC’s hardware specifications and using Device Manager.
USB4 is a modern, high-speed connection standard that provides up to 40 Gbps bandwidth, ensuring faster data transfer and better peripheral performance. It also boasts backward compatibility with USB 3.2 devices and supports DisplayPort alternate mode.
If your motherboard was released after 2020, there’s a good chance it supports USB4. Knowing this helps you unlock the full performance of advanced peripherals like external SSDs and high-resolution monitors.
This guide will walk you through the simple steps to confirm USB4 compatibility directly within your Windows 11 system.
Check Device Manager under Universal Serial Bus controllers for “USB4” entries. You can also navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > USB and look for “USB4 Hubs and Devices.” If these options are not present, your system likely does not support USB4.
Hardware Requirements and Windows Build
To check USB4 support in Windows 11, you need more than just the right software; your computer’s hardware, like the motherboard or chipset, must be USB4-ready, and you’ll need Windows 11, version 22H2 or a later build, specifically build 22621.1778 or newer.
How to check your USB support
You can check your computer’s USB support in Windows 11 directly through the Settings app. Simply go to System, then About, and find your device specifications to see what USB versions your PC supports.
- Open the Windows Settings app. You can do this by clicking the Start menu and selecting Settings, or by pressing Windows key + I on your keyboard.
- Click on System in the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down and select the About tile.
- Look under the Related section and click on the Device Manager tile. Note: This step may require admin privileges.
- In the Device Manager window, look for the section called Universal Serial Bus controllers and click the arrow to expand it.
- Look through the list to see if you find any entries labeled USB4.
How to find USB4 settings
If your PC has USB4, you can find its specific settings within the Windows 11 Settings app. Navigate to ‘Bluetooth & devices,’ click on the ‘USB’ tile, and then look for ‘USB4 Hubs and Devices’ to view its details.
- Open the Settings app.
- Select Bluetooth & devices from the left menu.
- Click on the USB tile.
- Click on USB4 Hubs and Devices. This page shows your system’s USB4 capabilities and any connected devices. If your computer does not support USB4, this option will not appear.
Troubleshooting USB4 Connection Issues
If your USB4 device isn’t recognized correctly in Windows, first check that you’re using a certified USB4 cable, as standard cables won’t work, and then ensure your system drivers are up-to-date by checking Device Manager.
Summary
To quickly check USB4 support in Windows 11, confirm your hardware and Windows build are compatible, then use the Settings app under ‘Bluetooth & devices’ to find USB4 settings, ensuring your system is updated for best performance.
Is USB4 backwards compatible with USB 3.2?
Yes, USB4 is fully backwards compatible with USB 3.2, USB 2.0, and Thunderbolt 3 devices. You can plug older devices into a USB4 port, and they will function normally, though they will be limited to their own maximum data transfer speeds rather than the full USB4 bandwidth.
Does my CPU support USB4?
USB4 support depends more on your motherboard chipset and the specific controller integrated into your laptop or PC rather than the CPU alone. Check your manufacturer’s specifications page for your specific model to confirm if the USB-C ports support the USB4 or Thunderbolt 4 standard.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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