How to Check USB4 Support in Windows 11

USB4 is a very fast connection type for your computer. It lets you plug in high-speed gadgets, monitors, and chargers. This guide helps you check if your computer can use this technology.

Why check for USB4?

Checking your USB4 support helps you understand if your computer can handle fast data transfers, advanced tunneling technology, and high-resolution DisplayPort streams. If you know your system supports USB4, you can buy the right gear to boost your productivity.

What happens when done?

Once you finish these steps, you will know exactly what your computer is capable of. You will also know how to find the specific USB4 settings page in Windows 11 and troubleshoot connection issues.

Hardware Requirements and Windows Build

USB4 support is not just about software. It requires specific hardware on your motherboard or laptop chipset. You must be running Windows 11, version 22H2 or higher. Specifically, you need to be on Build 22621.1778 or later, which includes the KB5026446 update. Without these, your system cannot manage USB4 hubs or 80Gbps speeds correctly.

How to check your USB support

You can see what your computer supports by using the Settings app. Follow these steps:

1. 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.
2. Click on System in the left-hand menu.

3. Scroll down and select the About tile.

4. Look under the Related section and click on the Device Manager tile. Note: This step may require admin privileges.

5. In the Device Manager window, look for the section called Universal Serial Bus controllers and click the arrow to expand it.
6. Look through the list to see if you find any entries labeled USB4.

How to find USB4 settings

If your computer has USB4, you can manage it through a dedicated settings panel. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Bluetooth & devices from the left menu.
3. Click on the USB tile.

4. 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 device shows up as a standard USB device instead of USB4, check your cable. USB4 requires certified cables. Also, ensure your drivers are updated. You can update drivers by right-clicking the device in Device Manager and selecting Update driver. For advanced technical details, visit the official Microsoft USB blog.

Summary

USB4 is a powerful standard that makes connecting devices faster and easier. By checking your Device Manager and the Bluetooth & devices section of your settings, you can quickly confirm if your Windows 11 computer supports this technology. Always ensure your system is updated to the latest build to maintain peripheral compatibility and power delivery performance.