Microsoft Urges OEMs to Fix Windows 11 USB-C Problems

Microsoft is urging OEMs to fix Windows 11 USB-C problems that affect detection, notifications and overall functionality. Windows 11 now offers USB-C support that detects connection failures, slow charging and unsupported accessories, but these features rely on accurate ACPI descriptors and proper implementation by manufacturers.

According to Microsoft’s blog, some devices mislabel or fail to describe USB-C ports correctly, causing notifications to be missed or ports to be misidentified as USB-A and triggering false alerts. The guidance asks OEMs to review ACPI descriptors, validate notification behaviour across configurations and work with the Windows Hardware Compatibility Program to ensure testing requirements are met, while documenting any anomalies for troubleshooting.

Microsoft also suggests options such as disabling USB-C data transfer in untrusted environments with a data transfer toggle, applicable only to external ports, to keep charging available while preserving security.